Year: 1938
Runtime: 57 mins
Language: Russian
Director: Aleksandr Rou
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.
Get a spoiler-free look at Wish upon a Pike (1938) 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 a snow‑kissed Russian countryside where the line between everyday life and legend blurs, the film opens on a quiet winter landscape stitched together with folk‑tale motifs. The visual palette of icy birches and humble farmsteads feels both timeless and distinctly early‑Soviet, inviting a sense of wonder that lingers like breath on frosty air. Against this backdrop, simple rituals—fetching water, tending a fire—carry the weight of ancient story‑telling, setting a tone that is as playful as it is reverent.
At the heart of this world wanders Emelya, a good‑natured, simple‑minded son of a farmer whose generosity outweighs his wit. While performing a modest chore, he encounters the magical pike, a talking fish pleading for its life. Rather than seize the creature, Emelya’s compassion wins him an extraordinary promise: every wish he utters will come true. This spark of enchantment transforms the ordinary into the possible, hinting at a journey where kindness becomes a catalyst for wonder.
Beyond the village, the regal court of the Tsar pulses with its own brand of folklore. The ruler, preoccupied with brightening the dour disposition of his daughter, the Tsarevna Nesmeyana, issues a whimsical challenge—anyone who can make the princess laugh may win her hand. News of Emelya’s uncanny ability spreads, drawing the humble youth toward a world of pomp, ceremony, and the subtle politics of laughter. The contrast between rustic simplicity and imperial extravagance creates a playful tension that fuels the film’s gentle humor.
With wishes at his disposal and the promise of a royal quest looming, Emelya steps onto a path where folk magic and human folly intertwine. The story promises a kaleidoscope of whimsical encounters, melodic folk songs, and the enduring belief that a single act of kindness can ripple outward, reshaping a life poised between village hearths and gilded palace halls.
Last Updated: August 20, 2025 at 17:50
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.
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.
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.
Discover movies like Wish upon a Pike 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.
Wish upon a Pike (1938) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Wish upon a Pike (1938) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Wish upon a Pike (1938) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Wish upon a Pike – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Wish (2023) Film Overview & Timeline
You Wish! (2003) Full Movie Breakdown
Rabbit Ears - The Fool and the Flying Ship (1991) Complete Plot Breakdown
A Wish for Wings That Work (1991) Full Movie Breakdown
Wow! A Talking Fish! (1983) Detailed Story Recap
The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship (1990) Full Summary & Key Details
The Golden Fish (1951) Full Movie Breakdown
Vassilisa the Beautiful (1940) Movie Recap & Themes
Wishes Come True (1957) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
The Tale of the Fisherman and the Goldfish (1950) Film Overview & Timeline
A Peacock’s Tail (1946) Movie Recap & Themes
Finest, the Brave Falcon (1975) Full Summary & Key Details
A Simple Wish (1997) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Fish Tales (1936) Detailed Story Recap
How Ivanushka the Fool Travelled in Search of Wonder (1977) Story Summary & Characters