An earlier film directed by Sergei Parajanov, who also made Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors and The Color of Pomegranate. A Kyiv Film Studio production, it is based on a Romanian fairy tale. The film was released in color, which was a real rarity at the time. Parajanov manages to convey a beautiful authentic atmosphere, that he would later perfect in the film “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors”.
The story portrays the magical adventures of a simple shepherd boy who wants to become a valiant warrior and protector. He meets a famous knight and receives a magical gift from him. The main character also battles with a evil sorcerer. The film contains fantastical elements, combining live-action with primitive studio effects. He creates a dream-like story about courage and faith overcoming an evil sorcerer and his magic. It turns out that even an ordinary shepherd can behave like a real hero.
Creative team:
Scriptwriters: Emilian Bukov, Grigoriy Koltunov, Sergey Lyalin, Vadim Korostilev;
Directors: Yakov Bazelyan, Sergey Parajanov;
Directors of photography: Vadim Vereshchak, Suren Shahbazyan;
Composers: Igor Shamo, Grigoriu Tirtseu.
Cast: Kostya Russu — Andrey; Nodar Shashik-oglu — the hero Voynovan; Lyudmila Sokolova — Lyana; Kiril Shtirbu — Pekale; Evgeny Ureke — the giant Strimbe-Lemnia; Domnika Darienco — the blind woman; Robert Vizirenko-Klyavin — Black Whirlwind; Trifon Gruzin — Barba-Cat.
