Reviews
Ironiya sudby, ili S legkim parom! (1976)
This is a lovely, funny film, every Russian's New Year's viewing
If you didn't know that the Russians could do satire, you have to see this film, which is an irreverent look at all the mass-production and lack of individuality which went with the Communist system and which form the basis for the series of misunderstandings which would be impossible elsewhere. A genuine love story, loads of fun as well and the most stunning views of St Petersburg in the Winter. There's a lot of dialogue, so your Russian needs to be up to scratch if you see it in the original, and it's a long film but worth every minute.
Ivan Vasilevich menyaet professiyu (1973)
A very funny film; plenty of comic action around Moscow and district.
Shurik (a character in several other comedy films) is experimenting at home with an invention which goes wrong and puts him, a passing burglar, and the apartment supervisor back into the time of Ivan the Terrible. There are a lot of chases and action, so you can still enjoy the film even if some of the Russian dialogue passes you by. Good views of several historic buildings, and an insight into 1973 Moscow as well as a bit of a history lesson. Not all Russian films are doom and gloom.