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Reviews
Zhivi i pomni (2008)
Amazing siberian beauty...
I saw this film at Russian film festival in London and i absolutely LOVED it! The actors were brilliant! and very convincing! The shots are amazing! Operators work is just out of this world (maybe it's cos i was watching it at the cinema but i thought the scenes were beautifully shot and you really feel like you are right there, in the siberian village, even though they filmed it near Novgorod, nowhere near siberia). The film tells a story of a army officer during world war 2 who deserted his company because he really wanted to see his wife who he hasn't seen for 4 years. In those times if you are deserter you'll be shot if they catch you so he has to hide on an island not far from his village. Only his wife knows about him and she helps him out with food etc. You can really feel this rough love between them, they are simple people but they love each other and show it only the way they can, you won't see any soapiness or anything teary in it, just tough real love. The film is actually based on a novel but the ending is different... I won't spoil it for you - you have to see it for yourself but it won't be your usual "hollywood end". I loved this film, and would definitely go to see it again...
Rodnya (1982)
Great movie from Nikita Mikhalkov
This film is about old-ish woman who lived in the village all her life, she comes to visit her daughter and granddaughter in the city. Being "the old school" she can't come to terms with her daughter divorcing her husband and tries to fix their relationships to no avail. She struggles to make herself helpful and realises she is kind of a burden to them with all her advices, questions, misunderstandings... I really like watching this movie, it's a bit sad but funny at the same time, Nonna Mordyukova shows a very naive and kind character that can't find it difficult to accept changes. Some things she comes out with are brilliant! Great movie from Nikita Mikhalkov.
Kacheli (2008)
One of my favorite movies of all times
I loved it! i think after We are from future this is the best Russian movie of this year. But it's one of those films that you can relate to and then you love it but if you haven't been in similar circumstances then you might not understand what's it all about. Mariya Mironova torn between her husband Andrei Merzlikin and daughter and her lover from "bohemian" scene Vyacheslav Razbegaev. Film precisely shows a struggle inside these people with themselves, Merzlyakin character is a very strong "specnaz" man who unconditionally loves Mironova and forgives her everything just because he loves her so much, he takes her back every time and even understands her. Mironova understands she ruins her family but can't help herself, it's almost like she is possessed or has an illness like being an alcoholic, she just can't help it. Their daughter sees it all but can't change anything. The idea/script might not seem like a great film but great actors performances and "down to earthness" of it all really hit my note. Director really showed that being a cheater doesn't necessarily mean you betray them. Very sincere and real movie, must see for those who ever loved so much they forgave them everything.