I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

In other words,this film is a surreal ride.

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

The Twelve Months has much beauty and heart, as well as some great values. There are a few scenes in the middle that drag a little too much, but that was the only thing that stood out as something that could have been better. The traditional animation is very beautifully rendered, the colours and backgrounds are elegant, moving very smoothly from one frame/scene to the next, and the characters move very convincingly. The music accompanies the story very sensitively, the distinctive Soviet style of it is sumptuous and rousing. The Twelve Months is engagingly written and shows and teaches values like kindness and patience, great values- that were relevant then, are relevant now and always will be relevant- that are well-meant and never heavy-handed within the story. The story has a very emotional core to it, it's always told beautifully and with a lot of heart and charm, it doesn't feel too thin for the short running time, and while it has a tendency to drag at times much of it draws you in. The characters are well-drawn, are right at home in terms of placement in the storytelling, and have personalities that anybody can relate to, while the voice acting is noble, more subtle and less theatrical than some of the other Soviet films(animated and non-animated) viewed in the past two months or so. To conclude, beautiful, moving and well-meaning though with a tendency to drag. 9/10 Bethany Cox

I remember I used to watch it many times when I was about 5 or 6 years old and it was very entertaining. Even now, being considerable older, I think it's a good film for children to watch. It teaches them kindness, patience, and mercy. The only thing about it that I notice more of now than I did then is the length of the film. It's kind of slow at moving on to the next scene, maybe it's just because I've seen it so many times. The soundtrack is good, the characters are well drawn, there are some memorable lines, and kids could learn a lesson from it. If you're looking for a movie that will teach your child kindness, show them this.