The 1970 Soviet film entitled "White Sun of the Desert," directed by Vladimir Moty is a classic "Ostern" blend of action and comedy. This Soviet Western film is set during the Soviet civil war in one of the Soviet Asiatic states, and centers around a lonely Red Russian soldier Fedor Sukhov who keeps finding himself in bizarre situations along his journey to get home. The biggest of situation he finds himself in is fighting a gang of local bandits who are trying to restore feudal order to Soviet Asia. This film introduces us to comedy in an untraditional manner. Take for instance the event where Fedor is told without his approval to escort the khan's harem, named Adullah, to a safe place across the desert. Also the moment when the veiled women proclaim him their new husband, in which Sukhov insist that a man should only have one woman. Vladimir utilizes action and dynamic fight sequences add humor this is prominent near the end of the film. For example when a man is seen flying out the window of a house or when several men are thrown out the boat with a kick. One theme that the film draws upon is exile this is seen with our hero who has constantly tried to get home but is somewhat forced to live a life in the desert. The hero also brings a hint of romanticism from the location where these heroic acts are taking place. Vladimir uses dream sequences to show Sukhovs longing to reunite with his bride and to also show he sees his bride through the khan's harem.
Review of White Sun of the Desert
