nedeljkodjukic88
Poor, poor Seryozha...He first goes to his father's homeland because his parents decided so. Upon arrival they barely get out alive, only to live in a very uncomfortable apartment in another town. But that's alright cause his parents' great love will get them through anything. But, no... His dad gets mixed up with a woman from the room across of theirs. He confesses it to Seryozha's mum because he's a man of principle. Mum kicks Dad because she's a woman of principle. He now lives with his new woman that Seryozha doesn't seem to be very fond of. Very soon Mum starts an affair with a 17-year old swimmer that she was so nice to let in their room, but she lies Seryozha's dad about that affair (she's got different principles, I guess). By the way, they both very much love their son. Small problem for Seryozha is that Mum wants him to only speak French in the house and Dad wants him to only speak Russian in the house. Once the swimmer gets out of the picture, and Dad gets enough of his new woman, he goes back to Mum, who generously accepts him. The happy family is reunited and stronger than ever! But the swimmer reappears and Mum is willing to try and escape to another country with him... Many more dramatic troubles turn up, but the liberal love of Seryozha's parents conquers and we get a pretty happy ending. Oh, boy...
marko117
One truly exceptional movie that colorfully depicts situation in Soviet Russia in 1950's. Not only this movie shows all the stupidity of communist ideology (and any ideology in particular), it also in vivid manner shows how far would mother do to protect its child. Numerous personal dramas, love affairs of the two main characters and general tension that could be felt in the air, make this movie so exciting. Remarkable acting skills of the main characters made this film one of the most impressive I've ever seen. For Catherine Deneuve, Oleg Menshikov and Sandrine Bonnaire this were probably one of the best roles of their lives. Try to get this movie and don't make pop-corns - you'll need handkerchiefs instead!
balutcravings
I had watched "Est-ouest" on a French channel with movie subtitles, and I've got to admit that it's one of my favourite art films and my hatest at the same time. That was weird all along. But I wanted to watch it again since I had seen it only once. I even wanted to buy it online, but I don't have credit cards and my parents won't allow me.This movie about a Russian immigrant, his French wife and their son starting to live in Kiev is so interesting I became Catherine Deneuve's fan and I started to watch her movies at the same channel. I also had a crush on Oleg Menshikov, who played as the doctor Alexei. I realized that he and the late Sergei Bodrov Jr. memorized their French lines phonetically, and it's quite funny but true, believe me. The downfall by the way that although this is a very unforgettable flick, I think there were some errors like "Is Kiev really in Russia or in Ukraine?" The characters are so dumb... except Gabrielle and Serioja. But then, I can't blame for this. Maybe I could recommend this to myself and my art film fanatic ex-teacher.
ira-k
The exposition gives us a very clear, cold-war frame, then goes on slowing its way thru the story - a clear failure of either the screenplay or the directing. In the end, unfortunately, wasted energy of brilliant actors Catherine Deneuve and Oleg Menshikov.
AD
