Can Anyone Help Me Remember This Childhood Film?

[JWRosser]

There was a film that my cousin had on video when we were younger. I can't remember much about it, but I remember I quite liked it, and it's been bugging me for the last few days as I cannot recall for the life of me what it is!

I think I watched it around 1998 time, although it may have been out way before then.

It's animated, but not Disney.
It follows a pretty clichéd story line - king dies, prince (or perhaps princess...?) is to be crowned king (or queen), evil aunt (possibly) tries to take the throne. In fact the more I think about it the more it sounds like Lion King/Hamlet. But anyway....

I can remember small snippets. The antagonist could turn herself into a snake. Also, the king was seen to die at the beginning of the film after a snake (the antagonist woman) scared his horse when he was riding, causing him to fall off.

The only other thing I can remember is a song that was sung by the antagonist snake woman. I don't recall much about it, but I'm sure there were Easter Island-style heads singing in an ominous deep choir kind of way.

Sorry - this is quite vague, but if anyone can help put my mind at rest I would much appreciate it!

 

[Machati]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freddie_as_F.R.O.7
I haven't watched it but it fits the description. The king dies in the way you described and the villain is an evil aunt.

 

[octafish]

Anastasia, though the bad guy in that was male and I don't remember him turning into a snake. If it isn't, it sounds very Anastasia like.

You know what? Just forget this movie and go watch Anastasia. It's close enough, and probably better. While you're at it, watch Titan A.E. and The Iron Giant as well. That should, at least for a little while, cure your animation itch.

As much as I love Crow The Iron Giant is the best thing Ted Hughes ever wrote. Beautiful, touching and elegant. I haven't seen the film.

 

[JWRosser]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freddie_as_F.R.O.7
I haven't watched it but it fits the description. The king dies in the way you described and the villain is an evil aunt.

Yes! It was that! I knew there was a frog in it for some reason!
Thank you, sir. I shall go and watch this. It's probably awful, but I just had a craving.

Anastasia, though the bad guy in that was male and I don't remember him turning into a snake. If it isn't, it sounds very Anastasia like.

You know what? Just forget this movie and go watch Anastasia. It's close enough, and probably better. While you're at it, watch Titan A.E. and The Iron Giant as well. That should, at least for a little while, cure your animation itch.

Iron Giant is decent, although I'm not a huge fan of Anastasia after studying Russia in that period and realising just how damn historically incorrect the film is - but it's alright I guess.