User reviews

Story takes place in late 70's, just in 3-4 locations which brings up a theatrical stage feel and it's simple - scenario is based on Alexander Vampylov's theatrical play "Duck Hunting". Movie is dated 1979 however it was banned until late 80's because of a Soviet censorship found in this movie something inappropriate which is hard to say what. Great story and great cast do their job perfectly. This is a dramatic and disturbing movie about desperate man (played by Oleg Dahl) who devastates himself and world around him in some specific way which only Russian authors can describe. He's pretty cynical though has a good sense of humor (as well as his friends), he drinks a lot, he thinks a lot (but it's hard to get his point). If you like movies of Woody Allen, Noah Baumbach or, for example, Scandinavian or German directors, and many others who create that kind of a "personal drama" and you can live with all that Soviet era set-up for 2 hours - it'll be a great time with no doubt.

To be honest, I did not find documentary evidence of the ban on the film, according to the director Melnikov himself: "The picture in Ostankino was received well - with curtsy and compliments. After the crowded premiere, I came to Ostankino to find out when the film will be aired. I was assured that the authorities were just waiting for the right moment to release the picture, but "the moment is just now unsuccessful, and the international situation too." Then on TV they waited for the "opportune moment" for exactly eight years - until the very perestroika" and yes, it gets confused and in general, the information on the film itself is confused when it was released either in 85 or in 87, and the director also claims about the influence of the international situation, which in general is most likely not true, so most likely there was no direct ban, and even more so from the government, the main problem here is in the state television and radio, most likely.

Being shot in 1978, the 'Vacation in September' had been immediately forbidden as critics have considered it as a decadent film. Only 9 years later was this film released for the first time. The film is based on Soviet Union dramatist Vampilov's play, and directed by Mikhaylov, a well-known director. But what makes this film one of its kind is the best ever cast which includes Leonov, Gundareva, Bogatyrev, Ukupchenko and Oleg Dal, a genius actor. The film is set in a typical Soviet Union urban city with gloomy construction landscapes which is the best reflection of the time being described. The film describes "the morning after "of the main character, engineer Zilov, who, having woken up, finds the funeral wreath at his place – his friends' present. This rather symbolic joke makes him recollect the previous night as well as 2 last months. With the events developing the viewer finds himself totally involved in this merely recollection which is gradually transformed into a deep analysis and soul-searching. As well as the protagonist we are invited to look intently and unvarnishedly at the most unpleasant, unattractive and sometimes repulsive features of the main character. But at the same time we can't help noticing how frank and fearless Zilov is in his determined decision to go up to the end whatever it is. Standing out of others, he just emphasize on the similarity with them. And only his willing to understand his own nature differs him from the others, who symbolically present the whole society of that time. And miraculously the funeral wreath turns into a crown of the winner. Apart from the Dal's absolutely brilliant performance, the other actors' one is totally believable. Although, the plot is quite complicated and full of symbols to be realized, the film is definitely worth seeing it. It will appeal to everyone who is interested in serious, thought-provoking movies as well as to those who adore Oleg Dal's acting.