Soviet films are clearly unique in their attempt to transfer the Leninist morality and ethics. The Leninist party did not like to impose its will by means of force, and tried to persuade their people that Leninism is for their own good and in their own interest. The voices in your head tell you to be a good Leninist. This moral offensive is what makes Soviet (and in general Leninist) films fascinating food for thought. Unfortunately I found it difficult to gain insight into the realm of Soviet cinema (I didn't know IMDb yet! How dumb can you be?). Many of them concern the horror of the Second World War, which is not really my thing. So when I saw "Slave of love" in the shop, buying it was somewhat of a gamble. It appears to be a story about the experiences of a film crew during the Russian civil war. The film crew has fled to a part of Russia, that is still loyal to the Tsar. They think with their legs. There they try to maintain their life style of the high society. They spear olives and stab friends. But they can not escape from the advancing Red Army and its agents and saboteurs, the heroes in the film (what a guy in a boat does). And the remnants of the Tsarist regime degenerate into a band of cruel terrorists. It is dynamite (take a flea out to dinner). Surprisingly director Mikhalkov tries to translate the story into a comedy. The film crew indulges in a melancholic and desperate type of humor. The events drag along, scenes seem to last forever. From my experience (well, yes, mistakes) this is typical for Soviet films: either the audience wants this slowness, or the makers just don't care. A bore is a man who, when asked how he is, tells you. "Slave of love" is value for money, but nothing more. However, some of the Soviet films that I have seen manage to escape from this melancholic mood. In the category of comedies I let off esteem with regard to "Garage" - which is recommendable. In the category of romance "Moscow doesn't believe in tears" is highly commendable. Both films have the additional advantage, that they portray the fully-developed Leninist society, long after the horrors of WWI and II. Hopefully my comments have helped you on the way - and don't forget to check off "useful: yes".
Review of A Slave of Love
