Operatsiya 'Y' i drugie priklyucheniya Shurika

I love this movie, and the guy who plays Shurik is hilarious. Much funnier than Jim Carey. I want to see more of his movies. Too bad he lived on the wrong side of the curtain for so many years. And sadly, like all the best, he died young. He should have tried to be more like Ted Kennedy. And his side-kicks were hilarious as well. A friend told me that they were famous Russian actors in their own right. Just plane fun, light-hearted and simple. Whether you speak Russian or not, it's worth it to have a look at this classic comedy collection. It is a fascinating look into the Russian sense of humor, as it is universally loved in the former Eastern Bloc countries, and if you look at the ratings for US viewers, here in the West as well.

This feature actually consists of three half-hour-long story lines one after another, related only in that they all star the same hapless protagonist. I read somewhere that the director took Charlie Chaplin as a model for his comedy, and the influence shows here, even to the point of the short-subject-length segments -- and especially in the first story. That one is basically a pure slapstick comedy, drawing gags from the situation of the Sharik character (who actually ends up resembling Harold Lloyd in appearance and behavior more than Chaplin) working part time on a construction site, alongside the man who he caused to be working there as a sentence.

The second segment is the one I thought to be the greatest success, as it combines the visual humor (many sequences of which, throughout, would work without dialogue at all) with a well-tuned funny situation and good actor chemistry. The third and titular segment is amusing as well, but perhaps get a little too involved in its own story.

Overall, it's funny material and recreates well what made the silent comedies of the short-subject era funny, if without the inspiration of an actual Chaplin on set.

One of the most enduring aspects of this film is its wealth of quotable lines that have become ingrained in popular culture. These phrases have transcended the film itself, becoming part of everyday language for many. The characters and situations in the film, though specific to their time, have a universal appeal, illustrating the quirks and follies of human nature in a manner that is both amusing and insightful.

The film's use of satire was particularly significant in the Soviet era, serving as one of the few available outlets for creative expression and social commentary. Its humor, while rooted in the context of its time, has a timeless quality that continues to resonate with audiences, even for generations who discovered it much later.

"Operation Y and Shurik's Other Adventures" stands out for its clever storytelling and sharp wit. It's a film that not only entertained its initial audiences but continues to delight and engage viewers of all ages. Its ability to blend humor with a subtle critique of society makes it a standout piece of cinematic history.

I really liked this film -- I laughed all the way! I liked the first short story the best, which is about a nerdy student Shurik and a tough criminal Fedya who work together in a building site. They are like Tom and Jerry: Tom is he stronger one, but he is constantly made fun of by his seemingly weaker enemy. In this film, I remembered the two chasing each other in the shabby residential building, and Fedya's whole body burned dark or poured with flour. Once I think about it, it almost feels like an irritating racial allusion. But of course most of political significance of this film derives from its unusual subject. It reminds us of how the Soviet society is spoiled by "alcoholics and hooligans" and how these people actually participated in the socialist construction of new metropolises.

Since it is a Soviet movie, it was shown a lot on Azerbaijani TV in the 90s and before the 2000s. My Russian wasn't very good, but because I watched it as a kid, it will always be a good movie for me. Nostalgic.