Brezhnev

Honestly, this film which I managed to see on DVD does depict the last days of the leader of the USSR. However it should be noted that Breznev is also shown as the old man who is tormented by some memories from his past, starting from the times of Lenin, Stalin and Kruschev. This film helped me to understand some historical moments(impact of economic policy of Lenin, industrialization, blind following the principles of the Soviet Communist party).

It is disappointing that the positive deeds of the leader are shown (there were some episodes which imply relationship of "Gensek" with ordinary people when he helps for the poor man seeking justice or ladies in the shop). The director could have reminded of the negative aspects of political status created by Breznev. The interesting choice is the selection of some melodious Russian songs which are sung by the main actor of the film. Also the funny stories about Breznev. The love story between Breznev and nurse is not convincing, the director could have depicted the shady actions of the daughter of Breznev... 8 stars out of ten...

Good film! Shakurov-Brejnev resembles very much real Brejnev (though it is not difficult to make up everybody to look like Brejnev, taking into consideration his famous brows).

Speaking Pushkin's words 'My soul was charmed again by my lost youth, by a painful sweetness of sadness, and by the first love of my heart'. (I left Russia for ever when Lionya (Brejnev) had been at power).

At his last years Brejnev was a laughing-stock for the people in the USSR. Especially people laughed at his passion for awards. But when I was leaving Russia and went for Sheremetievo (International airport near Moscow) I saw an enormous portrait of Brejnev in the middle of road. He brandished his hand as if saying good-bye. And so he remained for me: the last memory of my native land.

Apropos: there is a goof in the movie. At the scene where Khrushchev was yelling at Brejnev (the year 1947)he shouted: 'Suchiy potroh (impossible to translate), you wanted to make your own VDNH!' (The Exgibition of economical achievements). But that abbreviation was coined only in 1958. So we have here an anachronism.

for the Easter Europens, Brezhnev remains a strange myth. for the old people - subject of jokes . for ex - Soviet citizens - perfect image of deep crisis of Soviet Union. this films has the virtue to remind his shadow. and transforms in a vulnerable leader in search of his survive - biological and political. the bitter humor is the basic ingredient. an old man and small ordinaries gestures. strange Politburo and intrigues. the visit in shop, the decorations, the memories' pressure, the fears and the fall of a world who seems have Brezhnev as incarnation. short, an useful film. for the people under his reign. for the young people for who he is only a character. for define a period. and, maybe, as definition of Soviet system.

it is a puzzle. useful for the memories about a period from Soviet history and for discover a character in his basic traces. a film who remains a testimony, more than artistic creation. because the pieces of film, precise fresco about a life, is picture of an old man fragility but , in more measure, about fragility of a system. a film like a tale. about people and crisis, dreams and power circle. a special movie for the slices of silence. who was Brezhnew has different answer for each viewer. the movie builds only questions and gives clues for feel the temperature of situations. for me, the Brezhnev era is a part of my life. so, this series represents an useful exercise. for a good acting and admirable recreation of atmosphere. as interesting support of memories and sketch for understand the past.