Piter FM

Someone explain to these two, that the phones they hold in their hands, can also be used to call people if someone is late for an appointment.

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.

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.

This is a romantic comedy about two people getting to know each other because of a lost mobile phone.

The plot is not new at all, and is quite predictable. The two characters face troubles in their love lives, talk to each other on the phone, and guess what happens! What it lacks in plot, it makes up in other ways. The urban landscape of St Petersburg is presented in a very attractive way. the feel of the film is upbeat, and happy. It's like having a sugar coating on an old story, making an otherwise bland story more attractive. It's nothing groundbreaking, but it is a pleasant entertainment if you have nothing to do.

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.