Piter FM

This is a very light-hearted movie. The plot and characters are rather predictable, but it leaves a good impression, at least it did for me. For some reason, probably because of the camera work and the story, I had an impression that I was watching a Russian version of "Amelie". I think I enjoyed the beautiful St. Petersburg's scenery and minor characters (like Vladimir Mashkov playing a strange man in a one-minute episode) than the main story. Some small episodes are quite funny. For example, a policeman stops than main hero (Maxim) to check documents and asks among other things: "Firearms? Illegal drugs?" "No, thanks," Maxim replies. This movie shows a different Russia from what you may be used to. Good movie to watch with a date.

Masha is a radio DJ who works with Piter FM. She is about to get married. Maksim is an architect who is having to work as a handyman but has been offered a job as an architect in Germany. He is about to go to Germany. One day, as fate would have it, while crossing the road Masha drops her mobile phone and Maksim picks it up. With Masha and Maksim we take a trip into their funny and enchanting worlds. This movie makes you laugh and keeps you hooked until the very last minute, in an "Amelie"-like manner. This is Oksana Bychkova's first movie and make a note of this name. She is a director we must watch out for! Brilliant, Imaginative and Entertaining!

This movie falls into the category of great date movies: it's romantic and sweet enough for the women, and has enough humor and Russian bizarreness to sustain the men. Add to the mix a terrific soundtrack, tasteful cinematography, and an optimistic, life- and love-affirming plot - there's something for everyone.

More than just a story of young love, this is a valentine to St. Petersburg and its people. The city and its inhabitants are lovingly (if sometimes ironically) portrayed. While the male protagonist's dilemma - to leave or not to leave - is fairly typical for upwardly mobile Russians, with a fairly typical result (to leave, of course), the film tells us that there are plenty of reasons to stay and be happy with that choice. From beautiful buildings with centuries-old history to pretty girls in mini-skirts, there are many reasons to like St. Petersburg.

While by no means original (similar plot device of star-crossed lovers being connected in many ways and not realizing it until the fateful meeting has been explored by other movies, including Happenstance with Audrey Tautou), Piter FM is refreshing enough to stand out among the same old-same old of romantic comedies.

The trailers give a very clear idea of what the film is going to be about. And so did the very first scenes of the film. It is about triggered love. Clear, yet I am still curious - in such issues as this, it is the process not the result that attracts us...

...

So, I just watched it. Indeed, the trailer reflected the style and story well.

True, logical development of an attachment. What also it is about? Also it is about internal freedom. Being loyal to your own self. Meeting of these 2 people, or rather their being aware of each other existence triggers changes in their life-long decisions. She decides to cancel her marriage. He - to stay in the city. Why? They both are not sure yet but unquestionably feel much better about their choices. By the end of the film they finally find a way to meet each other...

Even though the ideas of the film are not really new, the story presentation, people, scenery, white nights of St. Petersburg, great music choice - all come together and play off very well making this film a very fresh, freeing endeavour.

This movie is the epitome of a modern Russian romance. I saw it while studying abroad in St. Petersburg. It really captures the feel of that great city, as well as having a very Russian take on love and friendship. It's a movie that probably wouldn't be good in translation, but if you can watch it in Russian, I highly recommend it. It's really fun to look for all your favorite spots in Piter as they show up in the film, and at the same time grow to love and understand Maxim and Masha as they deal with their emotional upheavals. As my friend Nadya said, by the end, they don't even necessarily have to be in love. Finding that human connection, that friendship, is all that's really necessary.