Wish upon a Pike

Wish upon a Pike

Year: 1938

Runtime: 57 mins

Language: Russian

Director: Aleksandr Rou

FamilyFantasy

Adapted from four Russian folk‑tales, this early Soviet fantasy follows the simple‑minded Emelya the Fool. While fishing, he catches a talking pike that begs for its life; in gratitude the fish grants Emelya wishes that set him on a whimsical, magical journey through the world of Slavic folklore.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Wish upon a Pike (1938)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Wish upon a Pike (1938). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Medieval or fantasy era

The events take place in a period reminiscent of medieval Russia, characterized by monarchies, knights, and folklore. This era is known for its fairy-tale elements, such as magical creatures and royal intrigue, fitting the story's fantastical tone.

Location

Tsar's court, Yemelya's village, distant place

The story is set in a traditional Russian rural setting, featuring a Tsar's court as well as humble villages. The royal court is an imposing place marked by hierarchy and tradition, while the villages are simple and closely connected to nature. The distant place becomes a haven for Yemelya and the princess after their escape.

🏰 Royal court 🏡 Villages 🌲 Rural area

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:55

Main Characters – Wish upon a Pike (1938)

Meet the key characters of Wish upon a Pike (1938), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Yemelya

A humble and resourceful farmer's son, Yemelya is kind-hearted and clever. His ability to entertain and his willingness to help others propel the story forward, showcasing his bravery and humility.

🤴 Hero 🌾 Farmer 💡 Clever

Tsar Gorokh

The authoritative ruler who seeks a solution to entertain his princess and to find a suitable husband for her. His temperament is often ill-tempered, reflecting a traditional ruler concerned with family honor.

🤴 Tsar 👑 Authority 😠 Temper

Princess

The Tsar's daughter, known for her serious and ill-tempered nature, longs for happiness and laughter. Her transformation through Yemelya's attempts reveals her desire for joy and connection.

👸 Princess 🎭 Humor seeker 😁 Joyful

The Magic Fish

A benevolent enchanted pike capable of granting wishes, it embodies kindness and gratitude. Its role emphasizes the importance of humility and good deeds in the story.

🐟 Magical creature ✨ Wish-granter 🙏 Kindness

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:55

Major Themes – Wish upon a Pike (1938)

Explore the central themes of Wish upon a Pike (1938), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Humor & Wit

The film explores themes of humor, wit, and charm through Yemelya's ability to make the princess laugh. It highlights how humor can break social barriers and bring joy even in serious circumstances.

✨ Magic & Wishes

Magic plays a central role, represented by the enchanted pike that grants wishes. The theme underscores the idea that kindness and good fortune can transform lives, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and humility.

👪 Family & Loyalty

Yemelya's bond with his mother and his love for the princess highlight themes of family loyalty and affection. Their relationships motivate the characters' actions and provide emotional depth to the story.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:55

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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.

Whimsical Fairy Tale Journeys like Wish upon a Pike

Charming stories where kindness is rewarded with whimsical magic and a happy ending.If you liked the gentle magic and folk tale charm of Wish upon a Pike, you'll enjoy these movies. This list features similar family-friendly fantasies with kind-hearted heroes, magical creatures, and hopeful, whimsical adventures based on folklore and fairy tales.

whimsicalmagicalcharminghopefulfolksylightheartedfantastical

Narrative Summary

These stories follow a straightforward quest structure where a protagonist, often an underdog, performs an act of compassion that unlocks magical aid. This leads them on a linear journey through a fantastical world, overcoming simple obstacles to achieve a clear, positive resolution.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by their shared foundation in oral storytelling traditions, a consistently whimsical and magical tone, low narrative intensity, and a focus on positive outcomes. The viewing experience feels like a comforting, charming escape into a world where kindness triumphs.

Magic Wish Stories like Wish upon a Pike

Lighthearted tales where a simple act unlocks magic that transforms an ordinary life.Find more movies like Wish upon a Pike where a character's life is changed by a magical wish. These similar stories feature benevolent magic, lighthearted consequences, and a steady, joyful pacing that makes for an uplifting and straightforward viewing experience.

magicallightheartedhopefulcharmingwhimsicalsimplejoyful

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern begins with a mundane protagonist who, through chance or kindness, gains the power to make wishes. The plot then explores the direct, positive outcomes of these wishes, solving the character's problems in a linear, satisfying way without complex moral dilemmas or dark twists.

Why These Movies?

They share a core plot device—the granting of wishes—used for positive transformation. The tone is unfailingly lighthearted and whimsical, the pacing is steady as fortunes improve, and the emotional journey is one of simple, uncomplicated joy without heavy stakes or sadness.

Unlock the Full Story of Wish upon a Pike

Don't stop at just watching — explore Wish upon a Pike 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 Wish upon a Pike is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Wish upon a Pike Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Wish upon a Pike, 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.

Wish upon a Pike Summary

Wish upon a Pike Timeline

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

Wish upon a Pike Timeline

Wish upon a Pike Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Wish upon a Pike 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.

Wish upon a Pike Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Wish upon a Pike

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Wish upon a Pike: 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 Wish upon a Pike