Author Topic: Russian Movies to watch to better understand "Russian Soul" (Read 30050 times)

Tamara · « **on:** January 07, 2009, 09:57:52 AM »

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

Oftentimes I receive a question on what Russian Movies one should watch to better understand Russian People and their Culture. All of the movies listed below have subtitles in English, so even non-Russian speakers can watch them. Any suggestions on other Russian movies with subtitles to add to this list?

The Irony of Fate, or "Enjoy your Bath" and The Irony of Fate 2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irony_of_Fate
Moscow does not believe in Tears http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moscow_Does_Not_Believe_In_Tears
Office Romance (Sluzhebnyi Roman) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_Romance_(film)
Peculiarities of the National Fishing http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peculiarities_of_National_Fishing
Barber of Siberia http://www.bfi.org.uk/sightandsound/review/299
Operation "Y" and Other Shurik's Adventures http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Y_and_Other_Shurik%27s_Adventures
Gentlemen of Fortune http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gentlemen_of_Fortune
Night Watch (Nochnoy Dozor) and Day Watch (Dnevnoy Dozor) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_Watch_(2004_film)
Little Vera http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Vera
Burnt by the Sun http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burnt_by_the_Sun
Russian Ark http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Ark
Ivan Vasilievich - Back to the Future http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/index.html?curid=3509677
The Diamond Arm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Diamond_Arm
Autumn Marathon http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9D01E7D71038F935A25757C0A964948260

Daveman · « **Reply #1 on:** January 07, 2009, 10:07:26 AM »

Thanks Tamara, nice list. My personal favorite is "Brigada"... similar to out "Godfather" series in a way. Probably not much about Russian Soul there, but damn good series for us guys! heh.. blood, gore, crime, ahhhh... Available with English subtitles :-)

GoodOlBoy · « **Reply #2 on:** January 07, 2009, 10:37:02 AM »

Quote from: Tamara on January 07, 2009, 09:57:52 AM

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

Oftentimes I receive a question on what Russian Movies one should watch to better understand Russian People and their Culture. All of the movies listed below have subtitles in English, so even non-Russian speakers can watch them. Any suggestions on other Russian movies with subtitles to add to this list?

The Irony of Fate, or "Enjoy your Bath" and The Irony of Fate 2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irony_of_Fate
Moscow does not believe in Tears http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moscow_Does_Not_Believe_In_Tears
Office Romance (Sluzhebnyi Roman) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_Romance_(film)
Peculiarities of the National Fishing http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peculiarities_of_National_Fishing
Barber of Siberia http://www.bfi.org.uk/sightandsound/review/299
Operation "Y" and Other Shurik's Adventures http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Y_and_Other_Shurik%27s_Adventures
Gentlemen of Fortune http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gentlemen_of_Fortune
Night Watch (Nochnoy Dozor) and Day Watch (Dnevnoy Dozor) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_Watch_(2004_film)
Little Vera http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Vera
Burnt by the Sun http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burnt_by_the_Sun
Russian Ark http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Ark
Ivan Vasilievich - Back to the Future http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/index.html?curid=3509677
The Diamond Arm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Diamond_Arm
Autumn Marathon http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9D01E7D71038F935A25757C0A964948260

Hello Tamara.

Congratulations, you have assembled a "good" list.

But.....IMHO you missed the one that belongs at the top of your list: "BALLAD OF A SOLDIER".

BTW...My wife gets sick of me watching "Ballad of a Soldier" and the "Brigada" series over and over again.

GOB

GoodOlBoy · « **Reply #3 on:** January 07, 2009, 11:18:28 AM »

I also like: "Banditskiy Peterburg" a.k.a. "Criminal Saint Petersburg".

GOB

GoodOlBoy · « **Reply #4 on:** January 07, 2009, 11:34:02 AM »

A Little

but.....

IMHO if you want to see a GoodOl' Western made movie about the Russian Mafia, check out "Eastern Promises".

My wife (Marina) says it is "crap", but I like it.

Also...another good Hollywood movie about Russian History is "Enemy at the Gates". The movie is about two Russian and German snipers playing a game of cat and mouse during the Battle of Stalingrad.

GOB

OlgaH · « **Reply #5 on:** January 07, 2009, 11:38:12 AM »

Tamara, I would also add "Window to Paris (1993)"

Trailer
http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/133635/Window-to-Paris/trailers

GalinaF · « **Reply #6 on:** January 07, 2009, 12:03:55 PM »

As my husband can’t stand slapstick comedies, I couldn’t talk him into watching many Russian good old movies. As the same time, he didn’t protest too noisily and kind of liked the following films:

The Italian

http://www.netflix.com/Movie/The_Italian/70053126?trkid=185165

The Master and Margarita

http://www.netflix.com/Movie/The_Master_and_Margarita/70063611?trkid=185165

Cold Summer of 1953

http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Cold_Summer_of_1953/60033333?trkid=185165

The Cadets

http://www.netflix.com/Movie/The_Cadets_Vol._1/70038728?trkid=185165

The Lover

http://www.netflix.com/Movie/The_Lover/70037551?trkid=185165

The Cuckoo

http://www.netflix.com/Movie/The_Cuckoo/60027728?trkid=185165

Michael liked some of the movies mentioned above (Brigada and Burned by the Sun) and, unfortunately, refused to watch many others…

Tamara · « **Reply #7 on:** January 09, 2009, 09:20:47 AM »

Guys, thank you so much for your responses and ideas! Indeed, there is a number of movies I did not mention in the list. Galina, your post is great! Thank you for spending the time to do so. It's all really helpful.

mrs.Shadow · « **Reply #8 on:** January 11, 2009, 07:29:18 AM »

Peculiarities of the National Hunt

It is divided on parts.

ECOCKS · « **Reply #9 on:** January 11, 2009, 08:38:19 AM »

Is it possible to get Master and Margarita in English?

Tamara · « **Reply #10 on:** January 11, 2009, 10:55:44 AM »

Quote

Is it possible to get Master and Margarita in English?

Ed,

The movie is in Russian, but it does have English subtitles (http://www.netflix.com/Movie/The_Master_and_Margarita/70063611?trkid=185165). Not that they are that good...

Some subtitles are not translated correctly and it looks like different translators worked on each of the three disks. It is evident there was no proofreader or editor for this movie. There are complete conversations that were not translated along with typos on the 1st and 3rd discs. 2nd disc is better as it only has typos and does make an attempt to deliver the message, not simply translate words. But the movie is excellent!

Tamara

ECOCKS · « **Reply #11 on:** January 11, 2009, 01:11:10 PM »

Ah, didn't understand it was a miniseries, thought it was just one movie. Will try to schedule time to watch it in the next few weeks.

Thanks Tamara!

- Ed

Tamara · « **Reply #12 on:** January 11, 2009, 03:22:02 PM »

Quote

Ah, didn't understand it was a miniseries, thought it was just one movie. Will try to schedule time to watch it in the next few weeks.

Ed,
Here is a link for you:

The Master and Margarita (English subtitles). Part 1
Tamara

MWanted · « **Reply #13 on:** January 15, 2009, 01:52:59 PM »

Hello, Tamara
This is just great, what you're doing.
I would like my american friends to watch the movie series of "Brother" and "Brother II" played by Sergey Bodrov Jr.
If you would be so kind and post 'em here?

Заранее благодарен,
MW

SANDRO43 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 15, 2009, 06:52:01 PM »

Tamara, after you've gathered enough material and suggestions, you could consider making it an addition to the REFERENCE MATERIAL in the RWDpedia

.

mark2353 · « **Reply #15 on:** January 15, 2009, 07:35:35 PM »

Tamarra,
With the help of these guys you have assemble a good collection of movies, I am definitely going to start hunting for a few of them. I seen a couple mentioned above (i.e hollywood). I have to admit I liked foreign cinema they make more creative movies at time.
thanks!

Tamara · « **Reply #16 on:** January 20, 2009, 07:21:55 PM »

Quote from: MWanted on January 15, 2009, 01:52:59 PM

Hello, Tamara
This is just great, what you're doing.
I would like my american friends to watch the movie series of "Brother" and "Brother II" played by Sergey Bodrov Jr.
If you would be so kind and post 'em here?

Заранее благодарен,
MW

Mwanted, here is the link for your American friends to check out: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=rusfilm&view=videos Unfortunately, Sergey Bodrov Jr. has tragically died some time ago.

Quote from: SANDRO43 on January 15, 2009, 06:52:01 PM

Tamara, after you've gathered enough material and suggestions, you could consider making it an addition to the REFERENCE MATERIAL in the RWDpedia .

Sandro43, it is indeed a great idea. I will definitely work on adding this to the Reference Material in RWDpedia.

dogspot · « **Reply #17 on:** January 20, 2009, 07:40:29 PM »

I watched The Dawns Here are Quiet the other night and it was fabulous! I highly recommend this film to all those who are interested in Soviet cinema.

OlgaH · « **Reply #18 on:** January 20, 2009, 08:58:39 PM »

Quote from: dogspot on January 20, 2009, 07:40:29 PM

I watched The Dawns Here are Quiet the other night and it was fabulous! I highly recommend this film to all those who are interested in Soviet cinema.

I also love the novel "The Dawns Here are Quiet" and movie is well done.

[youtube=425,350]DSP8q0QKDxE&feature=related[/youtube]

OlgaH · « **Reply #19 on:** January 20, 2009, 09:05:15 PM »

The Dawns Here are Quiet. Trailer

[youtube=425,350]kIX3dAL267w[/youtube]

OlgaH · « **Reply #20 on:** January 20, 2009, 09:14:20 PM »

One of my favorite Soviet movies

White Sun Of The Desert

[youtube=425,350]BfXtD0_8Quc&feature=related[/youtube]

[youtube=425,350]bQD8BJ-I948[/youtube]

OlgaH · « **Reply #21 on:** January 20, 2009, 10:53:20 PM »

One of the best for trying to understand a "Russian Soul" (if you can find with English subtitles)

A Railway Station for Two

Railway Station for Two (1982) (Russian: Вокзал для двоих, Vokzal Dlya Dvoikh) is a melodramatic and comedic love story. The film became the Soviet box office leader of 1983 with a total of 35.8 million ticket sales. The stars of the film include famous Russian actors such as Lyudmila Gurchenko, Oleg Basilashvili, Nikita Mikhalkov, Nonna Mordyukova, and Aleksandr Shirvindt.

There are three main heroes in this movie: Vera, a waitress; Platon, a pianist; and... a train station where these two people met. The differences in the heroes’ characters and professions, the plight that Platon found himself in (he is to be arrested and undergo trial) trigger a host of both amusing and sad situations which serve as a backdrop for their unfolding love. Platon is innocent of the crime he is being accused of. He simply took the blame for his wife’s driving over a pedestrian. But this is known only to Platon’s wife and Vera in whom he confided. However, after the verdict has been passed, Platon’s life is of no interest to his wife, although Vera is ready to wait for his release.

Quote

LlWNm4GNGEA&feature=related

[youtube=425,350]rBo5am-nzAY&feature=related[/youtube]

Platon: The cutlet is a bit burnt, you know... Why are you looking at me like that?

Vera: I'm afraid there won't be enough food.

Platon: All right, let's stop that. You shouldn't have come here. It won't work out between the two of us.

Vera: Why not?

Platon: Inequality again. What are you?

Vera: A waitress.

Platon: A waitress! And I'm only a swabber. 'Swabber' means cleaner in our jargon.

Vera: What? Cleaner? How could I make such a mistake? I was going to a pianist, but came to a cleaner?

Platon: Yes. I'm not a match for you. Would you feel hurt if I eat a little more?

Vera: Do you like it?

Platon: Very much.

Vera: That's what I came for.

SANDRO43 · « **Reply #22 on:** January 20, 2009, 11:04:46 PM »

Quote from: Tamara on January 20, 2009, 07:21:55 PM

Sandro43, it is indeed a great idea. I will definitely work on adding this to the Reference Material in RWDpedia.

Good

. To make your task easier, I've prepared a page (http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/mwiki/index.php?title=Russian_Movies) with your initial list and a couple of suggestions from others. You can Edit it, use Copy/Paste to duplicate an existing entry, and modify it for a new item, if convenient as a modus operandi

.

CaptB · « **Reply #23 on:** January 20, 2009, 11:07:51 PM »

To MWanted's Brat & Brat divah (Brother & Brother II)........I would like to add the first movieI ever saw in a Russian (Tver) movie theater....."Sisters" which is atually the third movie in a series after Brat &Brat II. I really like the sountrack by (deceased) Russian musician Victor Tsoy. I also liked "Siberidade" (sp).

If we can include non-Russian produced movies with a Russian theme.....Russian Life magazine included "Moscow on the Hudson" with Robin Williams on their top 10 list.
When I "personally" want to get back a little of that "I am back in Russia" feel....."The Russia House".....does it for me. Even many Russians I know personally seem to hold in high regard "Doctor Zhivago".

My wife and I own about 3/4 of those already listed......always looking for new additions.

Capt B

SANDRO43 · « **Reply #24 on:** January 20, 2009, 11:19:23 PM »

Quote from: CaptB on January 20, 2009, 11:07:51 PM

If we can include non-Russian produced movies with a Russian theme.....Russian Life magazine included "Moscow on the Hudson" with Robin Williams on their top 10 list.
When I "personally" want to get back a little of that "I am back in Russia" feel....."The Russia House".....does it for me. Even many Russians I know personally seem to hold in high regard "Doctor Zhivago".

OK, I've opened ANOTHER page ... on Non-Russian Movies (http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/mwiki/index.php?title=Non-Russian_Movies). Post away

.

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Author Topic: Russian Movies to watch to better understand "Russian Soul" (Read 30050 times)

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