Many Soviet teens loved this movie probably because of the songs it introduced. They were real hits at that time. Many of the songs were performed by Vladimir Presnyakov Jr. (he is still a Russian pop-star). His voice was still teenager's unbroken one and it sounded quite unusual and nice.
The movie could be interesting not only to the Soviet teens, however. Of course if it was available to them...
I used to say it was my favourite movie of all times. Now, I haven't watched it for a long time but still remember the bright and kind feeling it would leave every time I watched it. Even now, as I remember it, I get this kind of feeling.
This movie is a musical with simple but interesting fantasy plot. Very dreamy boy who is also a young poet, met a fairy who gave him the ability to do good in PE (specifically high jumping) with a condition that he will not say lies; once he commits a smallest lie, his abilities are gone...
The movie is light and and it seems the whole idea is to present a certain imaginary world, which, though not so far from reality, still kind of utopian. I mean a world you would dream to live in, the world of no suffering and pain, filled with simple and genuine feelings, where you still have to make right decisions.
To some viewers this movie might appear to be naive to the point of being boring and even stupid. But it will be admired by those, who crave nice and lovely without being too-sweet, philistine, and silly.
The acting is good, especially by the lead actor. Music, as I said is wonderful. Director's work is also good, although sometimes the movie looks like TV-series.
I just wish that kind of movies show up from time to time. It's not very cleaver, but in our todays world teens (and not only them) really need to be taught to be little more sensitive and kind.
