In its simplicity, this animated movie proves to have a warm , beating heart that mainly resides in its linear and candid story. Between the wise choice of colors and the well crafted animation, the most beautiful aspect of it is how it ends, in a surprisingly touching and abrupt conclusion.

Once started I couldn't stop watching it. As others have commented, this is a film that draws you in very easily and doesn't let go.I love the mood of the piece, even though the spoken language is French, it is not too difficult to believe the Russian backdrop with its practical and down to earth characters who are a largely likable bunch. Though they are mostly lacking in sentimentality, yet they are gently encouraging and unexpectedly generous to the heroine through her hardships.The visual style also suits the film perfectly and though deceptively simple, manages to fully convey the emotion of each character as well as the setting of each scene, which is at times hauntingly beautiful.The story is a familiar one of perseverance in the face of adversity and it is easy to cheer the heroine on as she tries to adjust and overcome the obstacles she encounters.The ending is a little abrupt until you watch the credits that continue the rest of the story, right to the close.Touching, affirming and highly recommended.

I have few things to complain about. The beginning wasn't the most promising. There was a really weird echo in the voice actors' voices in closed rooms. And my biggest complain is that there is no English audio in the blu-ray release, so the only quality varieties are DVD and amazon digital HD which is apparently on parallel with a DVD rip. The art and animation are neat as I enjoy simplicity. Fairly original too. You don't see the same use of colors elsewhere. I do hope to see in on blu-ray in the future, but I would recommend watching it whenever you are in the mood for relaxing animation movie rather than to wait the BD.The most impressive part is the atmosphere: how well the story, characters, art and music play along - making the movie a comfy, relaxing experience. Especially the characters reactions and different expressions were executed in a manner so impressive that it is hard to not let it noted. All in all the movie was much better than I expected and I recommend watching it.

The animation was lovely (it's been a while since I've seen a new animated film).It took me 10 minutes or so to get stuck into the style (mostly as I don't watch many animations these days), but I soon began to really appreciate the animation flow, textures and in particular the camera positions and lighting which were both really interesting, creative and important to the story in places.The story itself is simple yet also very rich and moving, with educational messages that everyone should be able to take something from. It's definitely a film that everyone can enjoy: both children and adults. Some moments really struck an emotional chord within me... tears welled up at one point!Is the story traditional? Have other films been made based on the same story?I also enjoyed the music, both the soundtrack and the use of "popular style" songs. These took me surprise at first, and I felt sceptical at hearing them... but actually they worked really well, and by the end I was really enjoying their use.When I have children I hope this will be a film they will love and enjoy, and take with them through to adulthood in the same way that I still have fond memories of some films I watched repeatedly as a kid.