Comedy. The directorial debut of the famous and beloved Soviet actor Mikhail Ivanovich Zharov, staged according to the idea of the pilot, Hero of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Mikhailovich Gromov. This masterpiece was advised to me by a very experienced person in Soviet cinema (and not only), whose taste and opinion I fully trust. I looked - and was not disappointed for a single second. And here's my brief opinion for you - The front-line everyday life of a false airfield. I will note right away that there are no minuses in the picture, so I will focus your attention on the expressive advantages of this military comedy.
So, here they are:
1. Scenario - the picture tells us about the front-line everyday life of a false airfield of the Red Army, the bombing of which the German command diverts forces, which allows real airfields to perform their tasks. And in this most restless household, a replenishment arrives: Private Ogurtsov and Corporal Kalmykova. They are placed at the disposal of an experienced commander, the guard Sergeant Semibab. Add two pilots here, one of whom is a Frenchman from the Normandy-Neman regiment, a spy story, a love quadrangle - and we get a strong story of love, service, war, heroism and courage, which is much stronger than almost all modern Russian films about the Great Patriotic War. The characters are written and worked out, the images are vivid, the situations are vital. What else do you need?
2. Humor is primarily comedy, so the viewer will mostly be amused. The main supplier of humor here is Private Ogurtsov, who, with his ridiculous behavior, creates a real storehouse of laughter. Do not hope for a frank rzhach, although the moment with the meeting of the French at the Soviet airfield will make you experience "Spanish" shame. A smile is guaranteed to you!
3. War - no matter what, the picture does not forget that there is a hard and terrible war going on, now there is a decisive battle between the USSR and Germany, the tension cannot be hidden by a light atmosphere and pleasant music. The Germans are shown to be insidious and strong enemies who are only looking for the most vulnerable point to hit with all their frenzied might. The tone and dialogues of the officers on both sides only emphasize the prevailing situation at that time.
4. Acting is a Soviet theater school, this is not a modern Moscow Art Theater, which now produces some mediocre and half-educated people with a huge emergency. In Soviet times, they taught in a way that was remembered for a lifetime. Actors pronounce phrases sincerely and naturally (and do not spit out the learned text, as now!), that's why you believe them, because that's how people talk in real life. The greatest school we've lost.
5. Timing - what else I like about Soviet cinema (especially the old one) is that there is no unnecessary dissociation in it. Everything is clear, if possible brief and to the point. And this masterpiece was no exception. In one hour and twenty minutes, we managed to tell and show so much that some multi-season series cannot do.
A little about the main characters:
1. Guard sergeant Semibab performed by Mikhail Zharov is the commander of the false airfield where our couple arrives. A cheerful and cheerful person (despite three severe and one light injury), who in his place does everything possible to distract the enemy. Mikhail Ivanovich brilliantly performed this role (as always, however). Bravo Mikhail Ivanovich!
2. Private Ogurtsov performed by Alexander Grave - before the war, an amateur rabbit breeder who became a real hero thanks to Corporal Kalmykova and his ridiculous behavior. The transformation of a klutz into a war hero who can literally do anything is perfectly shown. Bravo to the artist Alexander Grave!
3. Corporal Kalmykova performed by Lyudmila Tselikovskaya is a strict servicewoman who dreams of a hero. A modest, sincere, honest, cheerful, romantic girl, whose love is sought by three gentlemen at once. The final choice, I think, is obvious and so. Lyudmila Vasilyevna was incomparable here. Just Bravo and a whole pen!
Personally, I discovered another Soviet masterpiece that was a success with Soviet viewers, and even now it is remembered, loved and reviewed (which is rarely possible now, because such a movie is almost not shown on the box) by the older generation of citizens of the entire former USSR, and young people should see this picture, you see what they will learn.
As a result, we have an excellent military comedy, with an excellent script, a light atmosphere, good and pleasant humor, and great acting!
My rating is 10 out of 10 and my recommendation for viewing!
