Bartok the Magnificent

Bartok the Magnificent

Year: 1999

Runtime: 68 mins

Language: English

Directors: Don Bluth, Gary Goldman

MusicFantasyComedyAnimationTV Movie

The charming albino bat Bartok, once the quirky sidekick of the villainous Grigori Rasputin in Anastasia, returns for a daring adventure. Determined to prove himself, he embarks on a quest to confront and defeat the fearsome Russian witch Baba Yaga, facing magical obstacles along the way.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Bartok the Magnificent yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Bartok the Magnificent (1999)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Bartok the Magnificent (1999). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 17th century, 1601–1613

The events occur during the early 1600s in Russia, a period marked by political upheaval and legend. A young Ivan Romanov sits at the center of a fragile throne, with power struggles shaping the fate of the realm. The setting blends historical tsarist cities with fairy-tale elements, creating a backdrop of danger and wonder.

Location

Moscow, St. Petersburg, The Iron Forest, Baba Yaga's Hut

The movie unfolds across iconic locations of tsarist Russia. It begins in Moscow, where Bartok performs for the young Tsar Ivan. The quest then leads toward the perilous Iron Forest, a magical realm guarding ancient artifacts. Baba Yaga's hut sits at the edge of this world, serving as the gateway to the trials that drive the plot.

❄️ Cold 🏰 Tsarist City 🗺️ Journey 🧙 Enchanted Locale

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:45

Main Characters – Bartok the Magnificent (1999)

Meet the key characters of Bartok the Magnificent (1999), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Bartok (Hank Azaria)

An albino bat magician and con artist who evolves into a courageous hero. He uses wit and cunning to navigate magical trials and protect Ivan, while learning the limits of deception and the power of compassion.

🦇 Bat 🕴️ Con Artist 🗝️ Adventurer

Zozi (Kelsey Grammer)

Bartok's loyal bear partner and voice of reason, who keeps the duo grounded while chasing opportunities. He supports Bartok’s schemes but also acts as a practical counterbalance during their mission.

🐻 Bear 🤝 Partner 🧭 Guide

Ivan (Phillip Van Dyke)

The young tsar whose safety drives the quest. Though captured and framed by political intrigue, his destiny is intertwined with Bartok's bravery and Ludmilla's ambition.

👑 Prince 🧭 Catalyst 🗡️ Target

Ludmilla (Catherine O'Hara)

An ambitious advisor who seizes the throne by deceit. Her rise to power triggers the central conflict and she becomes the foil against which Bartok's integrity is tested.

👑 Queen 🪄 Manipulator ⚖️ Power

Baba Yaga (Andrea Martin)

A cunning witch who sets Bartok a series of magical tasks. Her role evolves from antagonist to ally as the truth about Ivan's fate and the heart's compassion are revealed.

🧙 Witch 🗝️ Trial Keeper 🕯️ Enigma

Piloff (Jennifer Tilly)

The pink snake who aids or hinders depending on the moment, intimately tied to the trials in Baba Yaga's hut.

🐍 Snake 🧪 Element of mystery 🪨 Stone-like obstacle

Oble

A fiery ogre blacksmith whose crown is one of the key artifacts Bartok must steal. Stealth and strategy are required to outsmart him.

🔥 Ogre 🛠️ Blacksmith 🏺 Artifact Guardian

The Skull (Tim Curry)

A giant talking skull guarding Baba Yaga's entrance and posing riddles that test Bartok's wits.

💀 Skull 🧩 Riddle-Guard 🗺️ Gatekeeper

Vol (Diedrich Bader)

Captain of the Guard whose confusion and loyalty complicate the mission, ultimately facing consequences for his actions.

🛡️ Guard 🧭 Confidant 🗡️ Authority

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:45

Major Themes – Bartok the Magnificent (1999)

Explore the central themes of Bartok the Magnificent (1999), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🦇 Courage

Bartok confronts peril with wit and nerve, risking everything to rescue Ivan and defy expectations. His resourcefulness turns danger into opportunity, underscoring the value of bravery in the face of the unknown. The journey to the Iron Forest highlights how courage can guide unlikely heroes.

🎭 Deception & Truth

Ludmilla's schemes drive the crisis, weaving false narratives to seize power and mislead others about Ivan's fate. The Skull's riddles and Ludmilla's feigned motives reveal how appearances can mask real intentions. The resolution hinges on uncovering truth and resisting manipulation.

💧 Redemption

Bartok's compassion unlocks a turning point, allowing Baba Yaga to reveal the real stakes of Ivan's fate. His tear embodies forgiveness and humanity, transforming rivals and uniting the kingdom. Compassion becomes the catalyst that restores balance to Moscow and its people.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:45

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Bartok the Magnificent

Don't stop at just watching — explore Bartok the Magnificent in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Bartok the Magnificent is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Bartok the Magnificent Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Bartok the Magnificent, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Bartok the Magnificent Summary

Bartok the Magnificent Timeline

Track the full timeline of Bartok the Magnificent with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Bartok the Magnificent Timeline

Bartok the Magnificent Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Bartok the Magnificent that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Bartok the Magnificent Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Bartok the Magnificent

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Bartok the Magnificent: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Bartok the Magnificent