No. It didn't simply have potential. It could be the absolute masterpiece, unprecedented, unparalleled and unsurpassed. The background is perfect. Where can you find such a turmoil in the last 20 years, if not in the Soviet Union/Russia? Maybe only in Yugoslavia (that's why Kusturica made the incredible movie Underground). Even the idea of asking your daughter the very same questions every year is excellent. What then spoils it? a) (and most important) Mikhalkov's narrative. Too long, too boring, too predictable b) Too much footage, irrelevant with the flow of the story (especially from other Mikhalkov's films!) c) The obsession with this God thing, as if all fUSSR's evils were due to the lack of belief to God d) A lot more than necessary of personal elements of Mikhalkov's life (I remember the death of his mother, how many minutes was that?!?! although there is a slight symbolism, definitely not worthy though so much time) e) He misses several years and some of Anna's answers seem staged. I know I'm too hard towards this movie, even if I've put an 8 (which means that I liked it), because I can see what a work of art Mikhalkov could have achieved if he'd try a little bit more. In any case, rent it. It's good for those who want to have a glimpse at 80's Soviet Union from the inside and it's no comparison with an average Hollywood flick.
Review of Anna ot 6 do 18
