What to see in self-isolation: 10 forgotten Soviet masterpieces of Lenfilm

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

The Lenfilm film studio was founded more than 100 years ago and has undergone several renames during its existence. Here they filmed "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson", "The Bat" and "The Beginning", "Hamlet", "The Wedding in Robin" and many more amazing films, many of which today have been undeservedly forgotten. We offer you to spend your time in self-isolation with benefit and enjoy real masterpieces from the Lenfilm film studio.

"Day of Happiness", 1963

In the film by Joseph Kheifits, Tamara Semina and Alexei Batalov, Nikolai Kryuchkov, Larisa Golubkina, Georgy Shtil and many other wonderful and beloved Soviet actors were filmed. The story of the love triangle turned out to be touching, full of meaning and incredible atmosphere of the 1960s. The film does not have the usual happy ending, but there is a full opportunity for subsequent reflections on happiness, love and duty.

"Two tickets for a day session", 1966

The detective film by Herbert Rappaport with Alexander Zbruev and Zemfira Tsakhilova in the lead roles undoubtedly deserves the attention of the audience. At one time, the picture about the struggle of the police with an organized criminal group was very popular. It seems that times have gone into the distant past, the names of power structures have changed, laws and conditions have changed. And the film "Two Tickets for a Day Session" is still captivating and gives an opportunity to remember that distant time when Soviet policemen bravely fought crime.

Long and Happy Life, 1966

This film is the only directorial work of the talented screenwriter and poet Gennady Shpalikov. At one time, he caused a lot of controversy, and the picture was appreciated only decades after it was released. The story of love and disappointment won the main prize at the International Film Festival in Bergamo, but in the Soviet Union the director's vision seemed too unusual and incomprehensible for its time.

Racers, 1972

Igor Maslennikov's film is about real male friendship, about the track and cars, about ambitions and true values. The excellent performance of talented actors gives the film a special charm. Once again, it is impossible not to admire the work of Yevgeny Leonov, Oleg Yankovsky, Armen Dzhigarkhanyan, Larisa Luzhina.

"Diary of the headmaster", 1974

The lyrical confession of the school director based on the play by Anatoly Grebnev was embodied on the screen by director Boris Frumin. The film is somewhat reminiscent of the well-known film "We'll Live Till Monday", but at the same time it does not create the feeling of a simple repetition. And it gives the opportunity to once again enjoy the game of Oleg Borisov and Iya Savvina, Alla Pokrovskaya and Lyudmila Gurchenko, Elena Solovey and Yuri Vizbor.

"Sentimental Romance", 1978

Igor Maslennikov's painting about love through the prism of history, about the ardor of youth and the desire to change the world, about faith in high ideas and dedication to work. The action takes place in the 1920s, and the entire film is filled with romanticism of that time. Each character on the screen is a kind of hymn to the talent of the actors Stanislav Lyubshin, Elena Proklova, Mikhail Boyarsky, Vladimir Basov, Ivan Bortnik, Lyudmila Dmitrieva and many others.

"Knowing the White Light", 1978

The film by Kira Muratova simply tells about difficult things: the birth of love and the desire for happiness, about endless romance and superficial tinsel. In this film, the director's skill only emphasizes the talent of the actors. Nina Ruslanova, Lyudmila Gurchenko, Alexey Zharkov - the talent and incredible charm of the actors give the picture a special charm. The film literally captures the viewer from the very first scene and does not let go until the last frames.

"I ask you to blame Klava K. for my death", 1979

A kind and slightly naive, touching and atmospheric film about first love and youthful maximalism, about the changeability of life and one's own worldview, about real tragedies that seem childish to adults and not worthy of attention. The filmmakers managed to show the seriousness of feelings and the drama of the situation in the life of a not-too-adult person. And, maybe, make parents and teachers look at the world with children's eyes.

"The wife is gone", 1979

A very atypical picture of Dinara Asanova about the most ordinary Soviet family. Two live, work, raise a son, and from the outside they seem to others like an ideal couple. Why did the wife suddenly leave? Yes, and left the child to her husband? Not only the main character, whose role is played by Valery Priemykhov, is trying to figure it out, but everyone who watches this film. It seems that in it everyone can recognize themselves and read, like in a book, their mistakes. Maybe fix them before it's too late.

"The Voice", 1982

The drama of Ilya Averbakh with Natalia Saiko and Leonid Filatov in the lead roles may seem too specific to someone. But it is about the frailty of being and the transience of life, about silly quibbles and the sacrifice of love for art in general and for one's profession in particular.

It was an interesting time in the film industry, making amazing films with very talented actors and having an intelligent and subtle humor. Today, when the world is gripped by a pandemic and many are forced to stay at home, observing the regime of self-isolation, There is no better way to cheer yourself up than by watching great comedies from the golden age of Hollywood.