• Drama
• Fantasy

The Wizard of the Emerald City, Part 1

The Wizard of the Emerald City. Part 1 (Volshebnik Izumrudnogo goroda. Doroga iz zhyoltogo kirpicha) is a Russian live-action fantasy film directed by Igor Voloshin. It serves as an adaptation of Alexander Volkov's 1939 novel, which itself is a reimagining of L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The film premiered in Russia on January 1, 2025, and has been released in several countries, including Argentina, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Panama, and Peru .🎬 Plot Overview The story follows Ellie Smith, portrayed by Ekaterina Chervova, who is swept away by a hurricane to the magical land of the Munchkins. Accompanied by her dog Totoshka, she embarks on a journey along the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City, seeking the Wizard who can grant her wish to return home. Along the way, she befriends the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion, each of whom desires something from the Wizard as well .📊 Production and Critics The film was produced by Central Partnership, Kinoslovo, Studio TriTe, and CG Factory, with support from the Russian Cinema Fund. Filming took place in various locations, including the Republic of Dagestan and Moscow. Despite its high-quality special effects and colorful visuals, the film received mixed reviews. Critics praised the chemistry between the lead characters but noted that the film's pacing and character development were lacking. Some publications compared it unfavorably to other Russian fantasy films released around the same time .🧾 Conclusion The Wizard of the Emerald City, Part 1 is a visually rich and ambitious Russian adaptation of Alexander Volkov’s beloved children’s book, itself inspired by L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Directed by Igor Voloshin, the film reimagines the classic tale for a new generation, blending fantasy adventure with modern cinematic effects. While the movie has received mixed reviews—praised for its visuals and performances but critiqued for pacing and character depth—it remains a significant cultural project in Russian cinema. A sequel is already in the works, signaling the creators’ intent to build a full-fledged fantasy franchise. Read More

• 2025
• 2 h
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