Tot samyy Myunkhgauzen

Although not too many people outside the land that produced this picture have even heard of it, it may be one of the best TV movies ever made, plain and simple. And, probably, the best one delivered by the great tandem of Russian film-makers Grigori Gorin (writing) and Mark Zakharov (directing) – with "The House That Swift Built" being the close second.

The script is nothing less than brilliant. The general concept is original enough as we happen to be presented not with fairly funny narratives invented by the legendary Baron Munchausen, but rather with the fairly dramatic story of the Baron himself. Which is complemented by an interesting take on the title character that turns him from a nobleman and famous raconteur into a noble dissenter and romantic rebel. But the development and dialogue still bring it to another level. The latter is virtually entirely comprised of quotable witticisms. And the whole construction explores serious problems like freedom and conformity, personal happiness and personal integrity, the hypocrisy of a society and the way it tends to treat those who choose to challenge its norms and confines. Since it's a TV movie featuring a cast of superb stage performers, the realization is overtly theatrical. But it is so in the best way possible.

Given that, as far as the dialogue is concerned, all phrases and inflections matter, an excellent translation is of the essence here. But if you manage to get one you won't regret a bit of your effort while enjoying every minute of this piece. This movie is very clever and funny but also filled with some wonderfully moving poetry. So it's likely to make you both cry with laughter and smile through the tears.

This movie was one of the most hilarious satires of human foibles I've seen. Munchausen is an incredulous character, performing great feats and claiming to perform even greater ones. Time and again, something absurd rolls of his tongue and everyone (in the movie and audience alike) want to laugh at him.. yet somehow he pulls it off; until nobody believes in him. There is an excellent point made that miracles require faith, and faith is dead.

Despite the great philosophical value, this movie is just downright entertaining. Witty, gregarious, and full of joie-de-vivre, the movie cannot help but uplift your spirits and leave you with a smile.

What can I say? This is one of the greatest movies of all times and a real jewel of the Russian cinema. It is such a great pity that this film has never really made it to the West and is totally unknown outside Russia.

The cast is superb and the acting is absolutely fantastic. You can feel a very strong influence of the Russian theatrical tradition here. Yankovsky as Munghausen gives the best performance of his career.

This movie is incredibly warm, romantic, optimistic and, of course, very very funny. Its humour is hilarious and yet very elegant and tasteful. If you don't know any Russian, just ask somebody to translate some of the jokes to you. My favorite funny scene is Mughausen's speech at the divorce hearing. "Some couples are created for love but we were created for divorce.."

"Tot samyi Munghausen" is an absolutely wonderful and fairy-tale romantic comedy, extremely enjoyable, something like a mix of "The Princess Bride" and "Four weddings and a funeral" only much better.

And yet, the film has a serious and a profound message underneath. It will make you think about intellectual honesty, being true to yourself, the real meaning of love, friendship and laughter in our lives. Watch this movie and you are guaranteed to fall in love with it.

If you are truly human, this is a film for you.

Multifaceted, humorous and tragic at the same time, full of wit, sarcasm, love, devotion, and reflections on life and the world as a whole, for me personally, this is the best film ever made, and I don't say this lightly.

Every aspect of this film is a masterpiece. Actor performances are superb, with Oleg Yankovsky playing perhaps the best role of his life here. The soundtrack is beautiful and touching. The dialogue is funny yet very deep at the same time. The film leaves you with a whirlwind of feelings, and leaves tremendous amounts of food for thought for months afterward.

...And if you start watching it, and feel that it's boring or not very funny - just leave it, and never look back. It's probably not your kind of film, then.

This film is the crown of all soviet films. I recommend this film to anyone who wants to receive top-quality entertainment. All of the actors in this film are excellently chosen and fit into their roles perfectly. This film will have you laughing in some places and brushing tears from your eyes in others. The music alone is enough to captivate your attention. To fully understand this masterpiece, you must pay attention to the slightest movement, to every word. This is a very moving film that deserves no criticisicm and should be treated with respect. No matter how many times you watch this film, you won't grow tired of it. Simply superb. 15/10