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Treasure Island

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1989

Treasure Island is an animated adventure film produced in 1988 by Kievnauchfilm Studio based on the beloved novel by Robert Louis Stevenson. A classic tale of pirates and buried gold, it brilliantly captures the exciting essence of the original work with its thrilling storyline, extraordinary artistry, and unforgettable characters.

In the movie, famous Ukrainian actor Valeriy Bessarab breathes life into the character of young Jim Hawkins, lending him an enthusiastic, adventurous spirit necessary for the brave protagonist of such a tale. Meanwhile, renowned Armenian actor Armen Dzhigarkhanyan masterfully portrays the cunning, charismatic, and somewhat mysterious Long John Silver. Viktor Andrienko, an accomplished Russian actor, makes a significant contribution to the film with impressive characterizations of various prominent roles.

The film starts with the arrival of an old sailor named Billy Bones (voiced by Vladimir Ferapontov) with a haunted past at the Admiral Benbow Inn, run by the Hawkins family. Not long after, Billy's past catches up to him when a group of pirates violently seek a mysterious treasure map rumoured to be in his possession. Thrust into the heart of the ensuing chaos is the innkeeper's son, Jim Hawkins, who, after the dust settles, finds himself in the surprising possession of the sought-after treasure map.

With the excitement of the unexpected discovery, the previously quiet life of young Jim Hawkins transforms into a thrilling adventure. Guided by the treasure map, he embarks on a journey aboard the Hispaniola, setting sail for the infamous Treasure Island. As they chart their journey across the seas, the Hispaniola’s crew reveals itself to be a motley crew of peculiar characters, the most notable among them being the ship's cook, Long John Silver, a charming one-legged man with a suspiciously extensive knowledge about pirates.

Throughout their journey and upon their arrival at Treasure Island, unexpected twists, thrilling chases, sharp decisions, and breathtaking revelations await the crew and especially young Jim. The characters' motivations and true loyalties are put to the test, making the storyline both captivating and suspenseful. These elements are portrayed with great effect by the voice actors, whose emotive performances serve as the heart and soul of the film.

This 1988 version of Treasure Island is an animated triumph that stands out by adhering closely to the original source material, focusing on character development and the intrigues of the plot. Instead of common cartoonish exaggeration, the animation style leans more towards realism. Every scene is meticulously detailed, giving a rich, exciting, and immersive atmosphere to the adventurous storyline. The animators' efforts to craft each frame with great detail results in an aesthetically pleasing cinematic experience that is equally engaging for both children and adults.

One of the hallmarks of the film is its successful attempt at blending high-tension drama with light humour, managing an impressive balance that keeps the narrative engaging throughout. A good deal of the comic relief comes from the character of Ben Gunn (voiced by Viktor Andrienko), a castaway marooned on Treasure Island who brings a measure of humour to the otherwise dramatic plot.

The audio in the movie is a splendid mix of atmospheric sounds, engaging dialogue, and a memorable score by Vladislav Shut. The orchestral music enhances the emotional impact of each scene, underpinning the mood - be it suspense, danger, or jubilation - and adding a layer of depth to the overall viewing experience.

This rendition of Treasure Island stands out for its detailed animation, memorable performances, and emotional depth. The 1988 film does justice to Robert Louis Stevenson's classic by delivering an exciting adventure that explores themes of trust, friendship, and morality while captivating audiences with its compelling story and characters. A must-watch for fans of animation and classic literature alike.

Treasure Island is a Animation, Adventure, Comedy movie released in 1989. It has a runtime of 106 min. Critics and viewers have rated it mostly positive reviews, with an IMDb score of 8.2..

8.2/10
Director
David Cherkasski
Stars
Armen Dzhigarkhanyan as John Silver, Yuri Yakovlev as Ben Gann
Also directed by David Cherkasski