In my opinion, a flawless work of art!

Rating: Null/10 (31 July 2002)

Everyone has a favorite film; this has been mine for thirty years. I went to see this masterpiece of cinema when I was in eighth grade and thus began my love affair with Tsarist Russia. From the opening scene of Alec Guiness' story to its last spoken line ("Ah, then it's a gift!") everything revolves around the effect of the Russian Revolution not on a nation or city, but on very individual lives: Yurii, Lara, Tanya, Victor... The intriguing play of the change of seasons along with the strange fate of circumstances that go to make up events in our lives is brilliantly brought out: from Yurii's adoption into the Gromyoko family and marrying Tanya ("He's your brother now...") (The hint of incest), from the strange turn of circumstances that bring him into the world of the mysterious and beautiful Lara, the outbreak of war and the horror of the thousand mile long Ukranian front. Again, Maurice Jarre's academy award winning theme (He had to search high and low for a balalaika band-orchestra) spins in and out, now happy, now sad. I would recommend anyone who is in love to see this film. The sets (Done mostly in Spain) are incredible, including an authentic street in Moscow complete with a Saint Basil's Cathedral in the background and a tram car; snow scenes that will literally chill you in your seat, just to whet your apetite with a few. Don't hesitate for a minute to enjoy this truly escapist entertainment.