Operatsiya 'Y' i drugie priklyucheniya Shurika

It is one of those 'must' soviet films that any educated man should see. Most talented actors, really cleverly made script and all, and also containing many words and phrases that got into lexicon. Nikulin as always geniusely acts both the facial expressions in the song "Postoy Porovoz", and the ones in other scenes (like the fight with Shurik). I could say that the song alone is enough to watch it, even for those who did not directly experience that kind of life, it would still cause a sense of cheerful nostalgy. Morgunov - also one of the most talented and known soviet actors, for those who ever liked him - it is most definitely one of his best pictures. Few more can be said, I mean - just watch it.

This naive old comedy is a landmark of Russian cinema. The humor is mostly Charlie Chaplin style (cake in the face etc.), however many verbal jokes from this comedy have made it into everyday language. There are three novels in this movie: one about a convict doing community service hand by hand with a student with orthogonal morale, another about college students cheating, and the last one about a trio of junks (the famous Russian comedians Nikulin, Vitsin, and Morgunov) staging a burglary to cover the real one.

I would like to invite visitors to see pictures from the movie and watch a detailed trailer at RussArt.com. Those who read Russian can find more materials useful: reviews, actor biographies, articles, etc.

Pictures: http://russart.com/?moviepictures&mid=69 .

Trailer: http://russart.com/?movietrailer&mid=69 .

This feature actually consists of three half-hour-long story lines one after another, related only in that they all star the same hapless protagonist. I read somewhere that the director took Charlie Chaplin as a model for his comedy, and the influence shows here, even to the point of the short-subject-length segments -- and especially in the first story. That one is basically a pure slapstick comedy, drawing gags from the situation of the Sharik character (who actually ends up resembling Harold Lloyd in appearance and behavior more than Chaplin) working part time on a construction site, alongside the man who he caused to be working there as a sentence.

The second segment is the one I thought to be the greatest success, as it combines the visual humor (many sequences of which, throughout, would work without dialogue at all) with a well-tuned funny situation and good actor chemistry. The third and titular segment is amusing as well, but perhaps get a little too involved in its own story.

Overall, it's funny material and recreates well what made the silent comedies of the short-subject era funny, if without the inspiration of an actual Chaplin on set.

One of the most enduring aspects of this film is its wealth of quotable lines that have become ingrained in popular culture. These phrases have transcended the film itself, becoming part of everyday language for many. The characters and situations in the film, though specific to their time, have a universal appeal, illustrating the quirks and follies of human nature in a manner that is both amusing and insightful.

The film's use of satire was particularly significant in the Soviet era, serving as one of the few available outlets for creative expression and social commentary. Its humor, while rooted in the context of its time, has a timeless quality that continues to resonate with audiences, even for generations who discovered it much later.

"Operation Y and Shurik's Other Adventures" stands out for its clever storytelling and sharp wit. It's a film that not only entertained its initial audiences but continues to delight and engage viewers of all ages. Its ability to blend humor with a subtle critique of society makes it a standout piece of cinematic history.

Three stories about a young man - Shurik and his adventures. for the fans of Soviet comedies from "60-"80 - nothing new. for the viewer from East Europe, all familiar. because the moral lessons, the romanticism , the gags - inspired by American mute comedies , Yuri Nikulin ,Aleksandr Demyanenko are pieces of a cinema who defines the Comunist period in profound sense. and, maybe, this is the difference of perception between different European publics.the work site, the emotions beyound an exam. the citizen lookout for protect the proprieties of the state are the small pieces defining a period, a political system and, sure, a kind of public.