Dzhentlmeny udachi

In the early 1970's, archaeologists at a dig in the USSR make an incredible find: a golden helmet that once belonged to Alexander the Great. Almost immediately, the helmet is stolen and, while the trio of criminals responsible are captured; their loot is not found. In order to find it, authorities enlist the aid of a kindly kindergarten teacher named Yevgeny Troshkin. Troshkin looks exactly like the leader of the malcontents, and goes to prison undercover among his gang to try and source the helmet. Whether or not his deception is successful, and if the missing antiquity is recovered, remains to be seen in Aleksandr Sery's 'Gentlemen of Fortune.'

Written by Georgiy Daneliya and Viktoriya Tokareva, 'Gentlemen of Fortune' is a clever crime comedy sure to keep you entertained. The story is wildly engaging, with many unpredictable moments, and rockets along at a fast pace; providing laughs all the while. It is also a film of substance, and has a heart-warming message about the importance of brotherhood at its center. Daneliya and Tokareva's characters are all compelling creations, each with their own idiosyncrasies and charms, and spending time with them is a delight. The film is traditionally played in Russia come New Year's, and holds a special place in the heart of many-a-viewer; as it just may in yours.

'Gentlemen of Fortune' is shot by Georgiy Kupriyanov, who captured brilliantly the atmosphere and realities of then-contemporary Soviet Russia. His photography of the stark streets and battered buildings is couched in the traditions of realism, producing simple, striking images that linger in the mind long after the credits have rolled. As is the case with many 70's era movies from the USSR the film is now something of a 'time capsule' look at a fascinating point in history documented oft-too infrequently by sources outside of cinema.

Many viewers incorrectly assume the film is directed by Georgiy Daneliya, not just because the screenplay and witty dialogue bears his stylistic signature, as it were. Production designer Boris Nemechek worked on many of Daneliya's movies, and his muted, naturalistic approach (especially regarding the visual aspects of the affair) was consistent on all their outings. Here, his work in conjunction with Kupriyanov's cinematography makes 'Gentlemen of Fortune' seem nothing less than absolutely authentic and- like the directorial features of Daneliya- utterly unforgettable.

Also unforgettable are the performances from the cast, especially the great Yevgeny Leonov. One of Russian cinema's all time greatest actors, Leonov was always convincing, whether as a vodka-swilling mushroom-enthusiast in 'Autumn Marathon,' as a match-obsessed alien in 'Kin-Dza-Dza!' or here, in a dual role as Troshkin the kindergarden teacher and Docent the thief. His ease of performance is incredible, and he is utterly believable and charming as both, bringing to Troshkin much dignity, decency and depth. Leading the film wonderfully, his performance is one not likely to be forgotten or disliked by any who see it.

Also of note from the cast are Georgy Vitsin and Saveliy Kramarov, playing two of Docent's fellow thieves. Vitsin plays a man nicknamed Raspy- or Sad Sack, in some versions- and turns in a performance of surprising emotional weight that is most impressive. Kramarov, as Cross-eyes, is more of the comic foil, and his goofiness will have you frequently in stitches. Additionally, Erast Garin and Radner Muratov make the most of their roles, delivering fine performances all round.

A clever comic-caper, 'Gentlemen of Fortune' is thoroughly entertaining from start to finish. With a great screenplay from Georgiy Daneliya and Viktoriya Tokareva- in addition to fine cinematography from Georgiy Kupriyanov- the picture is hard to fault. Boasting strong performances from all in the cast- especially the incomparable Yevgeny Leonov- as well as deft direction from Aleksandr Sery, 'Gentlemen of Fortune' is worth its weight in gold.

This is my favorite Russian comedy, and although it is 30 years old, people still enjoy it more than most other comedies today. A satiric and witty movie that revolves around an adventurous plot. The plot is basically that a convict (Dotsent) escapes from prison and the militia (Russian police) find the criminal's lookalike, a kindergarten teacher. He goes undercover and pretends to be a criminal to help the militia find the where the real convict has hidden a stolen mask. He makes a phony escape from the prison with two others, who think he is the real Dotsent. He eventually befriends with them and they become attached, but I won't reveal the rest. From my plot review it might seem as a violent movie or something like that, but actually it is good for the entire family. The movie is entertaining throughout and if you want to see a comparison with an American equivalent, it's like a lot like Seinfeld because it's a situational comedy. If you are a fan of Russian cinematography and haven't seen this one, watch it right away because this is a true classic with some of the greatest Russian actors (see cast).

Soldeirs of Fortune is often regarded as masterpiece of Soviet Filmmaking. However, most western viewers usually miss out on the main point that this movie tried to make. Soviet Union has big population of ex-prisoners who viewed themselves as heroes of societies of their time. During early years of Red revolution, people who were released from jails were one of the strongest segments of the "iron fist" that were essential to communism forces. The majority (that was target of communism ideology) were simple penniless people who were craving for chance to get a piece of socially acknowledged and legitimate (comparing to rich aristocratic lifestyle) equal way of life. Gentleman of Fortune presents a rich and historically important blend of mix of Soviet propaganda and effort of filmmakers to relate to prevailing audience. I was the among last generation that bears the values of shattered society.

Filmmaking has made a colossal leap in recent couple of decades, from simple relation to the audience, to trackers of trends in popular culture and views. I truly believe that it is important that future film experts would be able to fully comprehend the essence of legacy that was left to us by older generations.

Majority of western viewers will not be able to understand the humor and subtle context references that reflect nowadays dissolved soviet society. Soldiers of Fortune was primarily a comedy movie that was aimed to aggravate feelings of warmth and happiness in their customers. This movie tackles the problems of humanity and affection between individuals inside "evil" world of burglars and thieves. However, foreign viewers will be able to comprehend these references only of they have knowledge of culture and habits of filmmakers time. Therefore, as this particular movie is freely accessible in YouTube, I insist that if someone wants to fully interpret this movie, it is important to create special description of context in scenes. I would happily be able to provide these commentaries with possible collaboration of other soviet and post-soviet film experts to allow full experience to viewers of this masterpiece.

Those who share an experience with others generally develop mutual empathy and a willingness to help and support one another. When living on the margins of society, crime is often an obvious choice, but sometimes, by associating with polite and empathetic people, a criminal feels the need to redeem himself and fit into a society that has shown him the possibility of accepting them.

The dangerous criminal San Sanych Belyy (Evgeniy Leonov), along with his two unlikely accomplices Gavrila Sheremetyev (Georgiy Vitsin) and Fyodor Ermakov (Saveliy Kramarov), steal the precious helmet of Alexander the Great from the excavations of archaeologist Nikolay Grigoryevich Maltsev (Erast Garin), managing to hide it before being captured by the police. The archaeologist and the police convince kindergarten teacher Evgeniy Ivanovich Troshkin (also Evgeniy Leonov), a lookalike of the gang leader, to fake a prison escape in order to recover the precious helmet. Things immediately get complicated, as the two thieves and the teacher are joined by Vasiliy Alibabayevich (Radner Muratov), a common prisoner who immediately joins the group.

Director Alksandr Seryy adopts a slow pace, but balances comical and thoughtful moments; the screenplay, a collaboration between Georgiy Daneliya and Viktoriya Tokareva, manages to avoid melodrama, and entertain thanks to lively and original dialogue; Evgeniy Leonov gives a great performance, masterful in both roles.

Best moments: the entire sequence with the Russian Olympic cross-country team was truly hilarious. A must-see for those who enjoy smiling, even with bitterness, while reflecting on the human condition.

The tradition of watching the best Soviet films on New Year's Eve is still alive. And by the way, the work of Alexander Gray "Gentlemen of Fortune" is the most suitable for the role of a chic movie to watch at the New Year's table. After all, this is not just a comedy. This is a film that makes you think about the difficult fates of the main characters, the events that led them to where they are now. And let the humor not confuse the viewer. "Gentlemen of Fortune" is a movie in which drama is in no way inferior to comedy, but rather even takes over.

The plot is extraordinary. An ordinary kindergarten teacher turns out to be incredibly similar in appearance to a criminal who can not find out where he hid the most important relic - the golden helmet of Alexander the Great himself. And in order to find out, the operatives come up with the idea of replacing a real bandit with an educator. The latter must find out from the accomplices of the criminal where the treasured artifact was hidden.

The situation is initially comical, but the development of the plot and the masterful play of the actors makes you immerse yourself in the whole story. Each phrase in the film is so valuable that it was disassembled into catch phrases back in Soviet times. Today, such words have not lost their relevance and recognition, which, in my opinion, is a sufficient test for time.

The actors' acting is a masterpiece. They don't seem to stand out in any way, they conduct ordinary dialogues, but each character is interesting in his own way and has a certain mystery in his past.

Oblique, he is, Fedya, a bully. He tries to follow the Associate Professor, criticizes everything, thinks about how to fix life for the better. Savely Kramarov masterfully presents us with a hero who is a typical thief with his own problems and troubles.

Hmyr, he is, Gavrila, a man with a sad past who stumbled and went downhill. He seems to have been sucked into a life of thieves, and once he was a good family man, but now he does not see a return to the past.

Ali Baba, he, Vasya, actually got into this tandem by accident, running along with the others. But he is also an excellent personality revealed in the film. A person who once broke the law, and then could not get out of a difficult situation.

Evgeny Leonov plays a key role in this company. More precisely, two at once. In one, he is an exemplary kindergarten worker who is adored by colleagues and children. In another, a ruthless bandit who is ready to go to great lengths, even murder, to get his way. And in each of these roles, he perfectly conveys his characters. I watched this movie for the first time as a child. And I was sure that the Assistant Professor and Troshkin were played by two different actors, twin brothers. They even appeared in the same frame. At that time I didn't understand that cinematographers could do such things with the combination of frames. But something else is more important. The fact that Leonov was able to show both characters in such a way that the child had no doubt that they were two completely different people. I think it perfectly shows the professionalism of the actor, the ability to get used to the role.

The shots that you watch the whole movie are also beautiful. The epoch of its time, the interests of people, the images of policemen, scientists, the life of citizens of the country are perfectly shown.

The title theme is guessed from two notes. This is also a kind of test of the quality of the film. After all, music evokes certain images: a camel, the phrase "I'll tear my mouth", "don't touch anything with my hands" and the rest.

As you get older, you realize that the movie "Gentlemen of Fortune" has become one of your favorite New Year's movies, because the characters are not so comical, they are each struggling with their own problems. In other comedy films, everything is much simpler. You don't understand it as a child. Growing up, on the contrary.

"Gentlemen of Fortune" is a bright representative of the best Soviet cinema, a film that rightfully took its place in the hearts of the audience, broke into catch phrases, showed what it means to be a man.

10 out of 10.