Le voleur et l'enfant

What a movie Very well written shot and directed by Pavel Chukhray This 90 min drama is so engaging and what makes it that much engaging is the story,the cinematography, its amazing cast and their strong performances especially the child who played sanya

Truly a well made russian tragic,emotional and beautiful drama that takes place in a Stalin era Russia I strongly reccomend to all the movielovers out there to watch this movie and be touched by it.

Pavel Chukhraj's award winning film THE THIEF is one of those special films that should be owned and revisited - like a favorite novel or poem or symphony. Chukhraj both wrote and directed this tale/fable set in Stalinist Russia, a story which encompasses the impact on a child of loss of a father in the war, the appalling living standards in the communes during the 1950s where multiple families and comrades shared space and survived the lack of privacy, and the extents to which people will go to survive what fate has dealt them and the sad sequelae that follow.

The story opens on the cold steppes of Russia where Katya (Yekaterina Rednikova) gives birth to a son Sanya (Misha Philipchuk) in the mud of a country in disrepair in 1946. Narrated by the adult Sanya we next see Katya and Sanya on board a train where they encounter a handsome soldier Tolyan (Vladimir Mashkov), a seemingly gentle man who immediately bonds with the two 'refugees'. The remainder of the story deals with the fact that Tolyan is a thief and causes disruptive moves of his 'family' as he plunges them deeper into the hole of his crimes. At times he is harsh with Sanja, at time he is protective and instructive as a surrogate father, teaching Sanya the cruel rules of survival. He is finally imprisoned, Katya dies from an infection following an abortion, and Sanya grows into his teen years in orphanages, dreaming of his real father, wondering about Tolyan. They two make a final surprise encounter that leads to the ending of the story.

The actors are exceptional, the supporting cast is particularly fine, and the cinematography and set designs are something beyond description. The eyes of Sanya (those of Misha Philipchuk) will haunt you and beckon return to this most impressive and touching film. Highly recommended. Grady Harp

A post war tale of World War II, a woman and her fatherless son get acquainted and affectionate to a soldier, who in turns out to be an imposter. Perhaps the second best Russian language film I've watched after "Kolya," it gives a compassionate and observant account of emotions seen through a child and his mother. It's cold and poignant yet human and witty in its depiction of emotions, which is beautifully filmed and masterly acted taking the story to various cities, citing an epitome to nomadic life imparted by the agonies of war. Not as buyest to "Life Is Beautiful," it still mesmerizes through its impeccable performances and a superb depiction of emotions.

Rating: 3 stars out of 4

I thoroughly enjoyed this film and would recommend it to anyone just for the fantastic expressions of little Sanya's big blue eyes! For those who enjoy high caliber independent and foreign films, this is a piece of gold not to be missed.

"Vor" will undoubtedly become a classic of Russian cinema in a few years.

First, this was both written and directed by the great Russian filmmaker Pavel Chukhrai! It's a tender pseudo-autobiographical account of life during the last years in Stalinist USSR. An interesting theme in this movie is that of the "father-figure"...and Stalin as a "father-figure" to the Soviet Union. You don't necessarily have to be familiar with the political context of the film, but it definitely makes it all the more poignant and heart-breaking if you are.

Vladi Mashkov is superb as the charming "soldier" who, not accidentally, has Comrade Stalin tattooed on his chest. Whether Toljian symbolizes a strong-yet-corrupt Stalin and whether Katja and Sasha represent the disenchanted Russian populus, that's up to you to decide. But see it!

Look at "Vor" from the allegorical and political level and it's strikingly true. Look at "Vor" from the emotional and tragic level and it's strikingly true. This movie is deep, painful, and of course riddled with truth. That's why it's so powerful! Of course, the acting and direction show this truth off so vividly. I have to say, once again, that Mashkov proves to be an actor of amazing caliber, expression, and beauty.

Dasvidania ;-)