User reviews

White sun of the desert was a very interesting film. It seemed to revolve around the idea of duty. It often presented different characters with a challenge that they had to rise to and overcome in whatever way they knew how. The different ways that this idea manifested itself was the interesting part. Not every hero in the film was equal. Some of them were characters that possessed traits that were far from desirable but this was not always the case. For example, the main character Sukhov was making his journey home when he was given the task of escorting a group of women across the desert. He rejected this task at first but when the women were left with him he rose to the occasion and did whatever was necessary to protect them until they reached their destination. In the beginning of the film Sukhov find and saves Sayid from death. Throughout the film Sayid repeatedly leaves to peruse his own goal of avenging his father's death, but he always seems to return when his services are needed to help protect the group of women. Another unlikely hero in the film is Vereshchagin, a drunkard that clings to his past experiences of grandeur. This character is told by his wife not to get involved in Sukhov's problem but when he is truly needed he also does what is necessary and aids Sukhov in battle.

This was a very fun film to watch. It was very interesting to watch the different types of heroes that all rose to the occasion and did what they needed to do. Sukhov was the only character in the story that was not flawed in very obvious ways, but even the characters with problems were able to give what they had to the cause. This made me think of the soviet state and how it may have wanted to deliver the message that even if one is not perfect the state would not be able to exist and function without them. Everyone had to play a part that was necessary in order to complete the goal.

I have seen the impact that the American Western had on the Italians ("The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly") and now I have seen its influence of the Russians. This "Ostern" tackles the subject matter of civil war, bigamy, and death with a wonderful lack of pretense that is expected from a John Wayne movie; all that has changed are the ideologies. With a little more in common with "Lawrence of Arabia" than just sand the movie focuses on an unextraordinary man forced to rise to the occasion of being a hero. The lead is extremely engaging as a man who never looses his laid-back attitude even as soldiers pour oil around him and the many wives. His fidelity to his farm wife provides for the movie's highlight. He imagines his wife surrounded by the entire harem performing chores around the field. The clashing of East and... well, further East provides for many comical situations. The way the harem acts around the men in the museum is countered by the men lusting after them.

No other film in the world serves better to describe the idea of a Russian movie classic. This verdict could be undersigned by millions and millions of people in the former USSR.

On the other hand, this film is the best one ever made in that peculiar genre which flourished in the Soviet times under the unofficial name of "Ostern", labeled thus by some highbrow wits. What is Ostern? Plainly and simply, it is Western Russian style, with West replaced by East and the word "Ostern" itself being a pun on the German equivalents for "East" and "Easter". The genre of Ostern is strictly limited by the following rules:

The place, Central Asia; the time, the 20's, or the early 30's. The main conflict is the re-conquering by the Soviets of those parts of the region that had belonged to the Russian Empire before the revolution. The good guys are Red Army men. The bad guys are local rebels, pictured strictly as highwayman and cutthroats, known by the generic (Turkic) name of "basmachi" - imagine some Mexican banditos from your horse opera, dressed like the Taliban and headed by a Calvera (The Magnificent Seven) conveniently renamed to suit the time and place.

Now, the way the particular Ostern winds up, is this good guy Sukhov (a Russian Clint Eastwood) has to wipe out, almost single-handedly, a whole gang of smugglers and outlaws terrorizing a certain region of the Caspian (or maybe Aral?) Sea coast and headed by a gruesome yet not entirely unlikable desperado named Abdulla, who is Sukhov's main adversary.

The movie combines several genres. Sometimes it's a simple shoot-em-all, sometimes a drama, and sometimes even a bit of comedy, with all this mixed in a perfect proportion. The sparks of humor look especially good on the rather tense general background, thus creating a unique atmosphere and spicing up the whole thing.

Being the best Ostern ever made, the movie is a tolerably good action flick, but actually it's a thousand times more than that. For the Russians it's a cult movie number one, with almost every line being a celebrated catch-phrase. Especially well-known is this one, "The East is a delicate matter", said by Sukhov to his young partner Petrukha. The baleful significance of this wisecrack, made in the early 70's, has been finally appreciated only after the Afghan campaign and from then on never fails to remain on the national political agenda.

The soundtrack has become truly famous, with the theme song "Your Excellency Lady Luck" (name translated) a top hit for decades, and, no doubt, for many, many years to come.

Most of the principal characters have become heroes of numerous jokes, and therefore, part and parcel of the national folklore.

If you haven't seen this one, you don't know Russian cinematography, simply because this film alone is worth hundreds and hundreds of others made in that country.

I's, oh, so wonderful film. I saw it for the first time in my 19, in 1971 in small bioscope in Poland. Soviet film were not very wanted by the teenagers but it was long, dull summer and I haven't nothing better to do. And, what a surprise - film full of humor, action and irony. Song sung by me beloved Bulat Okudzava. After a long, long time I've seen it again in 2000 (You know , Soviet films were almost banned in Polish democracy. A moment of anxiety how it will be work and - ohhh, same feelings, same thrills, same chills. No, not the same, even deeper.

This so called "eastern" (or "ostern" – western Russian style), the movie about the fight of the Red Army soldier with the bandits ("basmachi") in the Central Asia during the Civil War that followed the Revolution of 1917, became not only a cult, but also one of the most beloved pictures for several generations of the viewers in all countries of the former Soviet Union. It has become a tradition for all Russian cosmonauts to watch it the night before their flight. Its success had formed the genre of domestic "eastern".

The demobilized after many years of military service soldier Fedor Sukhov walks through the desert to his native hamlet where his beloved Caterina Matveevna has been waiting for him. The movie is made as the letters that Fedor writes to Caterina (but never sends them) and tells her (with great humor) about his (often deadly dangerous) adventures. The band of cruel Abdulla rages in the area. Sukhov is charged with the task to accompany the harem of the leader to the safe area because Abdulla intended to murder his women rather than set them free. Accompanied by a young naive Petrukha, Sukhov leads "the group of the comrades" through the desert, knowing well that the face off with Abdulla is inevitable. Smart, fast, and brave Sukhov is the Army of One but at the most dramatic moment, he would need help from the former custom officer Verechagin and not very talkative but reliable Said who never forgot that Suknov had saved him from the horrible death in desert.

I've seen this movie ten or maybe twenty times - first, when it was released many years ago and I was a middle school student in Moscow and recently - after all these years. I know I have changed but the movie has not - it is funny, dynamic, and absolutely captivating. This perfect blend of comedy, action, and touching drama is deservingly one of the best Soviet films. The theme song "Vashe blagorodiye, gospozha Udacha" ("You Honor, Lady Luck") written by one of the best Soviet composers Isaak Schwarz with the lyrics of the legendary bard Bulat Okudzhava had became an instant hit and its fame has only grown as time passed. White sun of desert still shines bright.

Vladimir Motyl's "Beloe solntse pustyni" ("White Sun of the Desert" in English) looks at a Red Army soldier who has to look after a harem in Central Asia right after the 1917 revolution. One can see a stark contrast between the desolate setting and the soldier's bucolic homeland (shown through communications with his wife).

I didn't find this to be a great movie, but it was interesting to see a culture that we don't often get to see. In this case it also incorporates history. And finally, a deliberately ambiguous ending. Not a great movie, but a clever one. I can see why it was a box office hit. I do recommend it if you can find a copy.

The plot is about East and West in their permanent conflict. An experienced and wise ex-soldier is asked to deliver sheik's harem on his way home. The sheik retaliates... Tons of good humor. Many phrases from this legendary movie have made it into everyday language. In the early space age, this was the one movie cassette astronauts took to the orbit. I would like to invite visitors to see pictures from the movie and watch a detailed trailer at RussArt.com. Those who read Russian can find more materials useful: reviews, actor biographies, articles, etc.

Pictures: http://russart.com/?moviepictures&mid=6 .

Trailer: http://russart.com/?movietrailer&mid=6 .

The White Sun of the Desert, made in 1970 by Vladimir Motyl, is a film that is frankly valued by the public, at least based on the IMDB ratings (it is curious how most Soviet films appear with excellent ratings on IMDB, even those that hardly would deserve it, a phenomenon of Russian nostalgia probably, coupled with a huge lack of knowledge abroad of these works, despite the fact that they are almost all available for free on YouTube, although not always subtitled), but it lacks predicates to justify it. Apart from the exoticism of having been filmed in Turkmenistan and Dagestan, on the shores of the Caspian Sea, with the cinematography taking advantage of these beautiful desert landscapes, the plot is worthy of a spaghetti western and not even the best.

If you are remembering the significance of GWTW ("Gone with the Wind") for American culture, you may believe me: The significance of BSP for Russian culture is something like that. The song from BSP (lyrics by Bulat Okudzhava, music by Isaac Schwarz) became the best favorite song in Russia.

In 1995 BSP was voted and proclaimed the best favorite Russian movie.

There's something quietly comedic about the scenario in which returning soldier "Sukhov" (Anatoliy Kuznetsov) finds himself. He's determined just to get home to some peace and quiet with his wife - whom we see in the opening few scenes - and settle down. Sadly for him, fate has other plans as he rescues "Sayid" (Spartak Mishulin) buried up to his neck in the sand and is soon embroiled in that's mans search for revenge as well as a battle between the pursuing Soviet army and a local freedom fighter called "Abdullah" (Kakhi Kavsadze). It's not so much the battle that he needs to fight that preoccupies our hero, but the latter man's harem of nine concubines whom he has abandoned in his flight, and whom "Sukhov" must keep safe - or as safe as he can! Meantime, these ladies assume that he is their new "husband" and so whilst he only has his heart set on returning home, well maybe that's not going to be so simple after all. This is an enjoyably characterful drama with a solid effort from Kuznetsov leading an ensemble cast that combines some combat scenes with a tiny bit of romance and an all important machine gun. It's a bit like a Gunga Din of the East type affair that's quickly paced with plenty of action, mischief and duplicity. These are all flawed folks - there are few saints here, though the permanently sozzled "Vereshchagin" (Pavel Luspekayev) does have something of the genie about his abilities to appear just when necessary, as does the rescued "Sayid". The desert photography sets the scene nicely and the whole film neatly contrasts the honourable and the absurd of humanity. All it really needs is a bit of Ennio Morricone. Worth a watch.

Needless to say, this film carries an enormous cultural significance for the Russians. Today, Russian press even hails it as the first Russian/Soviet action film, although "Piraty XX Veka" is much better suited for that title. Besides, this movie is not the kind of action that people are used to nowadays. There is no point in going over the film's story line because it is very simple and focuses on good vs. bad guys (Soviet style, that is) during the Russian civil war. I imagine that any person who hasn't lived in the former USSR will not find much to worship here. And yet, it is truly a masterpiece that sort of happened to be made without any grand intentions, but was able to strike a chord with the entire nation. It's all very simple and naive, but the film's characters, the things they say, the theme song, it all clicks together perfectly. And the best thing about it is that neither time nor political fluctuations (like the demise of the Soviet empire) doesn't detract its magic. It just became more sarcastic, or nostalgic, depending on your perception. "White Sun of The Desert" is undoubtedly a classic of the Soviet cinema.

An unusual combination of humor, whiz, and lyrics that appeals to almost everyone. Great actors. Great songs.

Just a few lines to mention that this film is a favourite not only in Russia and the Russian speaking world. This is one of the few really loved Soviet films in Bulgaria too. (In my country the term "Eastern" usually applies for a Russian war film rather than a Far Eastern one) One of my personal favorite episodes is Vereshchagin being fed up of having nothing else available to eat, but caviar!

I like this movie very much. It is even useful, I can keep my Russian on good level by watching it from time to time, it is really possible to watch it over and over again. DVD with subtitles is great with extras including the story of the film by the director, which I found very interesting. You can learn some 'classical' aphorisms from this movies. Like the one Vershagin says 'I feel sorry for the superpower..' really actual after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Letters from Sukhov to his wife are also pearls of this film. The scale of Sukhov is also amazing, from a warrior to lyrical romantics through a good fellow with vodka.

The eclectic blend of genres listed (war, action, comedy, drama, romance, adventure) intrigued me, as did the fact that this has been referred to as an "Eastern" (so a Western but set/made in Russia). I guess it also has the same kind of offbeat energy that many spaghetti westerns have, but obviously Russian instead of Italian.

That's all to say The White Sun of the Desert is an interesting watch, and as far as other compliments go, it does look pretty great throughout, and all the places they shot this movie at are visually interesting.

But it could be a cultural thing (or me being tired) but I found it crazy hard to follow, and I don't think much of the humour cleared the language barrier (I can only guess at what parts are supposed to be funny, outside some broad and whacky physical comedy).

I do like venturing out and giving these sorts of unusual and underseen films a shot every now and then. At best, you get a new favourite you can rant about to family and friends, probably making them uncomfortable in the process (BUT THAT'S THEIR PROBLEM), and at worst, you get something confusing but kind of neat and admirable. The White Sun of the Desert was confusing but also kind of neat and admirable.

Sukhov (Anatoliy Kuznetsov) is a former soldier making the journey home across the desert near the Caspian sea. He ends up tasked with protecting the harem of a notorious bandit leader named Black Abdullah (Kakhi Kavsadze), after the bandit left them for dead while running from the Soviet army. What should be a short and simple escort mission turns into a perilous battle when Abdullah returns for his wives, leaving only Sukhov and a handful of allies to defeat the bandit army.

Most of the Soviet films that I've seen have been the propaganda works of the late silent era and the coldly remote intellectualism of Andrei Tarkovsky. However, much like The Amphibian Man, White Sun of the Desert is an entirely different kind of Russian film, much more fun, vibrant, exotic, and entertaining. Sukhov makes for a great change-of-pace hero: positive, confident, and romantic, as depicted by his frequent narrated composition of love letters to his beloved back home, which often amusingly contrast with what's being shown on screen. The action scenes are capably done, and there are many funny lines of dialogue ("He had the wrong grenades.") that work across the cultural barrier. There are some surprisingly dark plot turns, but instead of derailing the adventurous mood of the film, it just makes it feel more Russian, somehow. Recommended.

Watched this last night and loved it so much, I am actually watching the whole thing all over again tonight! (Something I never do.) What can I add to what others have said? It is a marvelous mix of drama, action, and wit that often makes me laugh out loud. The characters are unforgettable, the landscapes beautiful, cinematography is great, even the music is enchanting. (I later found out that the composer is the same man who did the music for one of my other Russian favorites, "Dersu Uzala.")

There's an additional "special sonething" about this movie that has made it a sort of cult favorite in Russia these past 50 years. Some intangible, magical x factor that's hard to put into words. All the best, most beloved classic movies have it. The interview with screenwriter Valentin Ezhov that was included as a bonus feature on the DVD, in which Ezhov told the story of how the movie came to be, kind of explained, at least for me, how some of that magic got into it.

But you just have to see it. Full disclosure: My favorite American "Western" of all time (I've lost count of how many times I've watched it) is "The Outlaw Josey Wales." The sensibility of this Soviet "Eastern," even set as it is in such a different culture, in such a different time, nevertheless reminds me enough of the feel of that Clint Eastwood classic that if you are a fan of Josey Wales, I can just about guarantee you will like "White Sun of the Desert."

It is an unbreakable tradition that Russian cosmonauts and foreign guests watch this movie the day before they blast off aboard a Soyuz rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome. Apart from the cultural significance this indicates, it shows where the heart and the spirit of the movie lie, where and how White Sun of the Desert transcends whatever genre it might be filed under and comes on its own.

A soldier returning home to his wife through the desert is entrusted by a regiment of the Red Army with escorting the harem of a local bandit, Black Abdullah, while the regiment looks for him. Things get complicated when he takes them to a nearby village by the Caspian sea where Abdullah arrives shortly after.

An attempt at a genre classification of White Sun of the Desert gives the term Ostern or eastern, the Soviet equivalent of the western. In some ways there is a resemblance, the landscape, horses, guns and bandits but the absurdity of the plot itself would feel more at ease in a crazed spaghetti western like Blindman than a John Ford western, and the feeling and mood belongs to a whole different worldview, with different sensibilities from either American or Italian westerns. To borrow a Japanese term, the mood of the movie carries some Russian form of "shushigaku", the sadness of things, as if all things and men carry within them an inherent sadness and all joy is not without the shadow of death. Being Balcan myself, I can see Emir Kusturicha in all this.

In that sense White of the Desert is like a desert carnival, an absurd adventure with comedic undertones through which blows a breeze of sadness, regret, loss and yearning. An old customs officer that realizes his life lost meaning the day he stopped caring and that he has to make a final stand and redeem himself, his wife that wanders the beach like a lost animal, her life meaningless without her husband, Sayid, a random encounter the hero Sukhov digs out of the desert, who is looking for the man who killed his father, nothing else having any importance or worth in his life, Sukhov himself a soldier returning home to his wife through the desert after years of war, Abdullah's harem who feel stranded and alone without their man even though he is a bandit and murderer of men and they can't comprehend how Sukhov can only have one wife.

And then you have the desert and the Caspian landscape. It surrounds everything with a mystical quality all its own, like everything happens in some corner of the world no one will ever know about and one day the sand will cover everything or the last man will just go out wandering in the desert and leave the small village behind forever, like Shukov does in the end of the movie. I have a weird fascination with the desert for this reason exactly, because deserts are places that have exhausted their future and thus have an inherent existential quality. I think this is personified in the three old men with white beards that sit at the bottom of a wall, barely speaking a word the entire movie, like an ancient lifeform that is now one with the land.

What really makes White Sun of the Desert so good is that what I mentioned above may exist only in my mind. It's never self conscious about what it does, never explicit in its symbolism and drama or calling attention to itself as anything more than a purely entertaining adventure romp. The comedic timing is good in that old fashioned way, the locations are beautiful, the acting is neat and the action is OK but nothing to write home about. It's the mood that makes the difference here though and for that alone it deserves a watch or two. Strongly recommended.

I think the "best USSR movie ever" misses the point. This is certainly not the best movie, it wasn't even supposed to do all that well in the theaters when it was first made and released. I don't think anyone ever foresaw its success. However for some reason it just works; audiences identified with it and loved it.

White sun of the desert is a classic western. You don't have to know history of the Soviet Revolution to recognize a western when you see one, for this is exactly the soviet adaptation of the genre. Not only that, but the plot of this movie is just great.

I first saw this film when I was a kid (and numerous times since then), and even though I haven't seen it in a while, even with subtitles, you can't go wrong. I'd rate it 3rd best western along with "The Good, The bad, and the Ugly", "High Noon", and "A bullet for the General."