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.

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.

Your hapiness is always near you. You probably meet it like three times a day and don't recognize that. That's what the plot is. My question goes further: are you sure you don't have it already? Not feeling alright with your previous choices is probably more about you than about correctness of those choices. Nothing is guaranteed in this world, so why not just accept whatever you have?

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.