Anastasia (1997 movie) facts for kids

Anastasia is a 1997 American animated movie filled with music and songs. It was directed by Don Bluth and Gary Goldman. The film features the voices of famous actors like Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Hank Azaria, and Christopher Lloyd. The story is about a young woman named Anya who might be the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia. The movie explores the idea that she survived the Russian Revolution but lost her memory, suffering from amnesia.

The Story of Anastasia: A Lost Princess

The movie begins in 1916, celebrating 300 years of the Romanov family ruling Russia. The youngest daughter, Grand Duchess Anastasia, receives a special music box from her grandmother, the Dowager Empress Marie. Suddenly, a dark magic user named Rasputin curses the Romanov family. This curse causes the Russian Revolution to begin.

Escaping the Revolution

During the chaos, Anastasia and her grandmother try to escape. Anastasia falls and hits her head, which causes her to lose her memory. She gets separated from her grandmother. The Dowager Empress Marie manages to escape to Paris, France, believing Anastasia is lost forever. Anastasia grows up in an orphanage, not knowing who she truly is.

A Journey to Find Family

Ten years later, Anastasia, now called Anya, leaves the orphanage. She feels drawn to Paris, hoping to find clues about her past. She meets two con artists, Dimitri and Vladimir, who are looking for someone to pretend to be Anastasia. They want to claim a reward from the Dowager Empress. They don't realize Anya is the real Anastasia.

Adventures on the Way

Anya, Dimitri, and Vladimir travel across Europe. They face many challenges and adventures. Rasputin, who is now an evil spirit, tries to stop them from reaching Paris. He sends his bat sidekick, Bartok, to cause trouble. Along the way, Anya starts to remember small parts of her past.

Meeting the Dowager Empress

When they finally reach Paris, Anya meets the Dowager Empress Marie. At first, Marie is hesitant because many girls have tried to pretend to be Anastasia. However, Anya's memories and the special music box help Marie realize that Anya is indeed her long-lost granddaughter.

A Happy Reunion

The reunion is very emotional and joyful. Anastasia has found her family and her true identity. Dimitri, who had grown to care for Anya, decides to leave so she can live her royal life. But Anastasia realizes she loves Dimitri and chooses to be with him. The movie ends with them dancing, showing that love and family are the most important treasures.

Characters in the Movie

The film features a memorable cast of characters, each with a unique role in Anastasia's journey.

• Anastasia / Anya: The main character, a young woman who lost her memory and is searching for her true family. She is brave, kind, and determined.
• Dimitri: A charming and clever con artist who initially plans to trick the Dowager Empress. He eventually falls in love with Anastasia.
• Vladimir: Dimitri's partner, a kind-hearted and well-mannered former Russian noble. He helps Dimitri and Anya on their journey.
• Dowager Empress Marie: Anastasia's grandmother, who is heartbroken by the loss of her family. She lives in Paris, hoping to find her granddaughter.
• Rasputin: The main villain, an evil sorcerer who cursed the Romanov family. He tries to prevent Anastasia from reuniting with her grandmother.
• Bartok: Rasputin's loyal but often comical bat sidekick.

The Music of Anastasia

The movie is famous for its beautiful songs and musical score. The songs help tell the story and show the characters' feelings. Some popular songs include:

• "Once Upon a December"
• "Journey to the Past"
• "Learn to Do It"
• "Paris Holds the Key (To Your Heart)"

These songs helped the movie become a beloved musical animation.

Historical Inspiration

The movie Anastasia is inspired by the real-life mystery of the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia. She was the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, the last emperor of Russia. The Romanov family was tragically killed during the Russian Revolution in 1918. For many years, there were rumors and stories that Anastasia might have survived. The movie takes this historical mystery and turns it into a magical, animated adventure. It's important to remember that the movie is a fantasy story, not a historically accurate account of what happened.

See also

In Spanish: Anastasia (película de 1997) para niños