Year: 1968
Runtime: 28 mins
Language: Russian
Director: Ivan Aksenchuk
Set in modern Copenhagen, tourists gather around the Little Mermaid statue as a guide explains its story. A fish beneath them scoffs and begins recounting the mermaid’s love. On her fifteenth birthday she surfaces, sees a prince battling a storm, saves him and declares that the beautiful and brave should not die, leading her to wish to become human.
Get a spoiler-free look at The Little Mermaid (1968) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In bustling modern Copenhagen, a group of tourists gathers around the iconic Little Mermaid statue at Langelinie, their curiosity sparked by the Guide who weaves the tale of the sea‑bound heroine into the city’s contemporary rhythm. The camera pulls beneath the surface, where a sardonic fish narrator offers a wry commentary on human notions of love, setting a tone that is both playful and reverent as the story slips from stone to water.
Below the waves lies an alabaster palace inhabited by a family of mermaid princesses, their lives suffused with the quiet magic of the deep. On her fifteenth birthday, the Little Mermaid is presented with a vivid red cloak—an unspoken signal of destiny—by her older sisters. This poignant moment hints at the pull between duty and yearning that defines her character, while the surrounding sea glimmers with both wonder and restraint.
When a storm tosses a royal galleon, a young prince is thrown overboard, his struggle visible against a churning sky. The Little Mermaid rises to the surface, rescuing the unconscious figure and, in a breath‑caught instant, declares that the beautiful and brave should never be allowed to die. The encounter ignites a fierce longing within her, the seed of a wish to trade her watery home for a fleeting taste of humanity.
The film balances the timeless allure of folklore with the sleekness of a contemporary city, its mood shifting from wistful lyricism to quiet anticipation. The fish narrator’s sardonic musings keep the audience aware that each myth carries layers of meaning, while the mermaid’s newfound hope promises a journey that will test the boundaries between two worlds, inviting viewers to wonder what lies just beyond the tide.
Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 23:19
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Stories of profound sacrifice and tragic love in enchanted worlds.Explore movies like The Little Mermaid that delve into the heart of bittersweet fairy tales. If you were moved by the themes of sacrificial love and tragic romance, this collection features similar stories of longing and transformation where love's cost is high and the ending is emotionally complex.
The narrative typically follows a protagonist who, driven by intense longing or love for an unattainable ideal, makes a great sacrifice—often involving their identity or well-being. The story unfolds in a magical or enchanted setting, where the rules of fate and magic dictate a path towards a resolution that is emotionally resonant but not conventionally happy.
These movies are grouped by their shared focus on romantic yearning, the high stakes of personal transformation, and a melancholic, bittersweet emotional tone. They create a specific, dreamlike mood that balances the beauty of love with the pain of sacrifice.
Dreamlike stories centered on the ache of impossible love.Discover movies similar to The Little Mermaid that capture the specific feeling of melancholic longing. If you appreciated the dreamlike, reflective pace and the central theme of an impossible, unrequited love, this list features films with a comparable wistful and emotionally resonant vibe.
The narrative arc is emotionally driven, revolving around a character's intense but unfulfilled desire. Conflict often arises from internal struggles and external circumstances that keep the object of affection distant. The story's structure prioritizes mood and emotional reflection over complex plotting, leading to an ending that acknowledges the beauty and pain of the longing itself.
These films are united by their dominant melancholic tone, their focus on the emotion of longing as a central theme, and a steady, immersive pacing that lets the mood settle. The experience is less about suspense or action and more about sharing a character's heartfelt, often sorrowful, yearning.
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Little Mermaid 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 The Little Mermaid is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of The Little Mermaid, 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.
Track the full timeline of The Little Mermaid with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Little Mermaid. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Little Mermaid: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like The Little Mermaid that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
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