Kitayskiy serviz

"Chinese Tea-Set," a Russian film directed by Vitaly Moskalenko, set in 1913 Russia during the Tricentennial Anniversary of the Romanov Dynasty, is an unfortunate misfire that fails to deliver on its promising premise. The story revolves around rich Russian merchants celebrating their wealth by gambling and playing poker aboard the luxurious cruise liner "St. Nikolai" on the Volga river. Unbeknownst to them, several gangs of crooks and con-artists are out to steal their money in the game, with their primary target being the wealthiest Russian tycoon, Satanovsky.

Despite the intriguing setup, the film falls flat due to its poor execution. The characters, portrayed by Anna Samokhina, Oleg Yankovskiy, and Sergey Nikonenko, are underdeveloped and lack depth, making it difficult for the audience to even try to invest in their journeys. The dialogue is clunky and often feels forced, detracting from the overall experience.

The pacing of the film is another major issue. The narrative drags on, with scenes that should have been tense and exciting instead feeling tedious and drawn out. The film's runtime could have been significantly reduced without sacrificing essential plot points, making for a tighter and more engaging viewing experience.

Furthermore, the cinematography fails to capture the grandeur and opulence of the cruise liner and its wealthy passengers. Instead, the visuals are colourful but uninspiring, doing almost nothing to immerse the viewer in the world of the film.

Writer and director Vitaly Moskalenko had an opportunity to create a captivating period piece filled with intrigue and suspense but ultimately failed to deliver. "Chinese Tea-Set" is a lackluster film that squanders its potential, leaving viewers disappointed and unsatisfied. It is a forgettable entry in Russian cinema that offers little in terms of entertainment or artistic merit.