evgeniy77

First, I would like to voice my outrage at the exploitation of Vladimir Vysotsky's talent five years after his death for this piece of Reagan-esquire propaganda. Another dehumanization of the USSR, especially when it was it had only 6 years of existence left. Another contrived plot that has nothing in common with reality. If an artist defected, they would not try to pull him back, this would be beneath them. Besides, he is not a government worker or a military officer--- he does not have any secrets that they would want to keep him quiet about it. This is "so-called" art done for the benefit of Reagan's propaganda. If Americans want to see what Russian society was really like, they should see any of the Soviet films(PREFERABLY of the 60's, 70.s, and 80's) found in abundance on this website.

Although I agree with the impression of the previous commentator, I have several complaints. 1990 is not "a few years after the cold war" and in 1990 it was not "new Russia". This is exactly what makes this film great. It would have been only possible to make such a "gem" of a film during the existence of USSR. Especially, since this is an adaptation of Soviet Union's "domestic" science fiction writers, the Strugatsky brothers. I am just discovering the great works of Russian and Soviet science fiction (incidentally at the same time as the "American" Isaac Asimov). Years after I have enjoyed "Star Trek: The next Generation" TV-series. Although "Star Trek:TNG" raises similar questions through "The Prime Directive", "Trudno Byt' Bogom" is a full-length film and allows a deeper analysis of the question. But the book is certainly deeper.

I love this movie for the fact that they treat all ancient Russian fairy tale elements in a modern context. A great pun is made in the last names of the characters---all are variations on terms and names of the magical and the mystical. Also it is a great romantic comedy. Many of the quotes from this film stay with you for a lifetime. I especially love the song in the film about the three white beautiful horses named December, January and February that carry your sled off into the beauty of Her Majesty Winter. You can put it on the shelf for the classic Soviet New Year's Eve romantic comedies, such as "Ironiya sud'by ili "s legkim parom!"" and "Karnaval'naya noch'". I was also pleasantly surprised when I found out that it was made by the Odessa Film Studios---my city of birth.