Love this film.
May Contain Spoiler further Down.
Filmed in Yaroslavl, where my OH is from, even 35 years on from filming, I can recognise places. Almost a piece of social history.
I don't speak Russia, but I didn't really need to to understand and 'get' it.
It has some funny moments during the first half, which either due to the actors, or the direction, or possibly both, you can tell what is happening without understanding the dialogue.
I have found this with a lot of soviet era films; the acting, scene set up and direction is almost like they are making a silent movie. Not visual, in say an action blockbuster or a cartoon, but you seem to be drawn into the characters and their actions/mannerisms as much as the dialogue, none more so than Afonya.
My one slight criticism would be that the actress who plays love interest, Katya, seems rather to young for Afonya. But the way she plays the cute, adoring, almost puppy like wannabe girlfriend is so enchanting I can forgive that.
The two main characters, Afonya and Katya are wonderful and you want to care about them from the start. With great comedic supporting characters as Afonyas mates.
Possible spoiler. The film hits a rather sad point towards the final act, but the ending will leave the viewer very satisfied.
May Contain Spoiler further Down.
Filmed in Yaroslavl, where my OH is from, even 35 years on from filming, I can recognise places. Almost a piece of social history.
I don't speak Russia, but I didn't really need to to understand and 'get' it.
It has some funny moments during the first half, which either due to the actors, or the direction, or possibly both, you can tell what is happening without understanding the dialogue.
I have found this with a lot of soviet era films; the acting, scene set up and direction is almost like they are making a silent movie. Not visual, in say an action blockbuster or a cartoon, but you seem to be drawn into the characters and their actions/mannerisms as much as the dialogue, none more so than Afonya.
My one slight criticism would be that the actress who plays love interest, Katya, seems rather to young for Afonya. But the way she plays the cute, adoring, almost puppy like wannabe girlfriend is so enchanting I can forgive that.
The two main characters, Afonya and Katya are wonderful and you want to care about them from the start. With great comedic supporting characters as Afonyas mates.
Possible spoiler. The film hits a rather sad point towards the final act, but the ending will leave the viewer very satisfied.