10 Soviet films that are popular with Western audiences

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

For the Soviet audience, these films have long become classics. They are remembered and known almost by heart, they can quote the most vivid statements of the heroes without hesitation. However, the Western audience also had the opportunity to appreciate the masterpieces of Soviet cinema. For some, these films became an opportunity to get to know the mysterious Russian soul, while others studied the life of ordinary Soviet citizens from them. Be that as it may, but some of our cult films are popular abroad today.

"The Cranes Are Flying", 1957

The true story of human relationships in the prism of war excited not only the Soviet audience. The main prize of the Cannes Film Festival unambiguously speaks of the value of the film for world art. In contrast to the usual image of a woman waiting for her lover from the front, the film shows the emotional throwing of a young girl, her pain, longing and desire to survive. The film "The Cranes Are Flying" is still popular with the Western audience, although since the release of the picture on the screens more than 60 years have passed.

"War and Peace", 1965

The next adaptation of the work of the Russian classic, it seemed, could not present any surprises. However, Sergei Bondarchuk managed to surprise viewers all over the world. For that time, the scale and fundamental nature of the picture were simply stunning. And if we add here the impeccable acting of the actors, the innovative techniques of the cameramen used during the filming, then the overwhelming success of the epic becomes quite understandable. At present, the painting "War and Peace" by Sergei Bondarchuk remains as popular as it was half a century ago.

"Operation" Y "and other adventures of Shurik", 1965

One of the most popular comedies Gaidai found its admirers abroad. The film allowed not only to get acquainted with the intricacies of the Russian sense of humor, but also to feel the difference between Hollywood and Soviet comedy. There were no disappointed ones after watching the film, and many considered the game of Alexander Demyanenko more interesting and funny than the works of popular American comedians.

"White Sun of the Desert", 1969

If Leonid Brezhnev had not seen the film by Vladimir Motyl, then "White Sun of the Desert" would have lain on the shelf for many more years. However, on the personal order of the secretary general, the picture was not only released for hire, but also prepared for demonstration abroad. Foreign viewers were happy to get acquainted with the story of Comrade Sukhov and were able to appreciate the subtle humor of the film and the tragedy of the protagonist.

"Ivan Vasilievich changes his profession", 1973

Sparkling humor, an unusual plot and diverse heroes in unusual conditions turned out to be interesting not only for the Soviet audience. Abroad, they were able to fully appreciate all the advantages of the film and fall in love with the picture "Ivan Vasilyevich Changes his Profession" almost as well as the audience of the Soviet Union.

"Mom", 1976

Initially, the musical tale was filmed jointly by Soviet, French and Romanian filmmakers in three languages: Russian, English and Romanian. At the same time, it was the Russian version that turned out to be the weakest from the point of view of cinematography. According to the recollections of the actors, the versions for foreign distribution were filmed in three or even five takes, and the “domestic” part was always filmed from the first, because there was simply no time for replays. However, the fairy tale "Mama" remains one of the most popular in the post-Soviet space. And the foreign audience does not forget about it.

"The meeting place cannot be changed", 1979

The serial film by Stanislav Govorukhin became a real discovery for the foreign audience. I was impressed by both the play of the actors and the historical accuracy of the picture. Foreigners often compare the film to "The Godfather" and enjoy watching how law enforcement officials fought crime in the Soviet Union.

"Moscow does not believe in tears", 1979

This film can rightfully be called one of the most popular Soviet films among foreigners. Ronald Reagan sincerely believed that the film allows you to better know the mysterious Russian soul and understand the mentality and national characteristics of Russians. In the United States, the rental of the picture was limited. However, the film became so popular that viewers asked the management of some cinemas to arrange additional screenings for those who had not yet had time to watch the wonderful Soviet film.

"The Wizards", 1982

A naive and kind fairy tale, based on the works of the Strugatskys, was completely unusual for the Soviet audience, but for foreigners it turned out to be interesting in its simplicity and sincerity. In Hollywood at that time, complex special effects were already being shot with might and main, but Soviet filmmakers managed to win the hearts of the audience with high-quality work and a bright plot.

"Kin-dza-dza!", 1986

The perception of the picture by Western and Soviet viewers was radically different, but the success was incredible both in the USSR and abroad. If domestic moviegoers saw in the film "Kin-dza-dza!" open satire on the state system of that time, then foreigners drew attention to fantastic comedy, first of all, as a dystopia. For fans of science fiction "Kin-dza-dza!" proved to be comparable to Star Wars.

Foreign directors even turn to familiar Soviet and Russian films from time to time. In remakes, the action is often transferred to another place, and sometimes to another time, but the storyline of the picture remains recognizable. We offer you to get acquainted with the most famous foreign remakes, which were based on Soviet films.