Entführung im Kaukasus

Although CCS may not quite measure up to Gaidi's next offering, Diamond Arm, it is still a film that must be seen. Many reviewers have criticized these films as having too many "Russian inside jokes".As a non-Russian, I can't argue with this. But there is something much more universal here. Through the use of extraordinarily crisp dialog, pacing and an absolutely zany musical score, Gaidi has captured the quirky essence of humanity: the way we are fickle, selfish, lovable and blind to our own absurd behavior. These are some of the only movies that I would recommend watching with dubbed voices - it further adds to the wacky quality of the humor.

Finally, it is impossible to watch this movie and not adore Natalya Varley. She has a genuineness that grounds the whole film and makes you care about what's happening.

This is a comedy that will keep a smile on your lips throughout. The actors do as fine a job as any slapstick comedians I have seen and the humor translates across generations. This is a film that is many things in one: a family film (nothing offensive here), a piece of historical culture (especially with its snide jokes about lazy, corrupt bureaucrats, which surely skated close to the censors in the old USSR -- but just as certainly resonated with the viewing public then and now), and a delightfully dated comedy complete with mid-60s music and hair.

I recommend viewing the DVD in the original Russian language, using subtitles if you do not understand Russian. The subtitles are not obtrusive, and to employ dubbing is to lose the wonderful vocal intonations and characterizations of the original actors.

This is a very good film, at least an 8 out of 10. Get a copy of the DVD and enjoy!

Probably the best Soviet comedy, loved by all Russians, be they now capitalists, communists, nationalists or whatever. Star actors of our cinema. Many lines have become sayings in Russian. The Caucasus of the Soviet times, gone forever... 10/10.

Ten without any doubts. An excellent example of Russian humour, the movie for all ages! I watched it many times (10 or so), but it never became boring for myself. Natalya Varley (Nina) is excellent in this film. Every film becomes funny if it is starring "the three": Nikulin Vitsin, Morgunov. But even considering this, "Kavkazskaya Plennitsa" is a piece of great play by them. I also like this film for the song: "A Song About Bears". You know, that the unofficial symbol of Russian people is the bear. Hear this song attentively. I think, that it is about Russian people.

The best decision for those, who don't speak Russian, is the movie in Russian with subtitles in your native language. But...Try to turn off the sound, I bet, that you shall easily understand the film even without it!

Perhaps you have seen "Divorce Italian Style", a classic example of delightful farce. With this Ruski gem, the laughs come even faster. It is set in the Caucasian mountains, and the spectacular scenery is a bonus. A trio of buffoons who often appeared together star in this film along with the "hero". A very beautiful young woman figures into the silly plot, and she becomes the kidnap victim. Complete nonsense ensues, and it is priceless. At times it looks like potential source material for Benny Hill. One of the buffoons stars as the "hero" in other excellent comedies and was a gifted circus clown (I forget his name, drat!). In this film the non-stop antics and gags, although clearly done on a very low budget, nonetheless work very well with a cast that is obviously having a jolly good time. Available with subtitles.