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.

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 Soviet prison system might not be high on many people's lists of good starting laces for humor, but this comedy winds up being often very funny nonetheless.

This basis is a classic fish-out-of-water premise, wherein a kindly kindergarten teacher happens to look uncannily like a a notorious criminal who has collaborated in stealing a priceless Macedonian gold helmet. The authorities' plan -- only just past the boundary of realism -- is to give him a wig and some false tattoos, and enlist him to help find the helmet. And this, of course, leads to all sorts of awkward situations, which are played for a deadpan absurdity that sets a great tone.

It's also interesting for its view (through a comedy lens) of the Soviet prison system and criminal life at this time, as well as its central Asian setting. Apparently, a good amount of actual contemporary underworld slang from the time was included (which our hero has to learn like a second language). Through the humor, criminals are nonetheless treated as human characters, who are wistful at having been divorced from a normal life and family, rather than completely villainous reprobates.

A very entertaining picture in all, with both likable cops and largely likable robbers as its characters. Recommended.

As soon as the New Year comes, this film is immediately shown on all TV screens in Russia, and I have a strong association with this holiday. As for the plot, it is very interesting and even a little adventurous. The convicts in this witch are presented not as villains, but as simple and even good people. Of course, such an image would not have been possible without the brilliant performance of the actors playing the main roles. Alexey Leonov, Savely Kramarov and Georgy Vitsin brilliantly coped with their work. So, it's great soviet comedy.

Since it was a Soviet movie, I found the vhs-in at my grandfather's house. My Russian is not very good, but not quite my style.