|
|
This programme spotlights significant works, both past and present, that have yet to be introduced to Japanese audiences. This year, we focus on two Russian films from the '60s. Workers' Settlement is a muscular epic, and July Rain has a freshness reminiscent of the nouvelle vauge. Both films make a strong impact and offer a precious film experience. |
|
 |
Workers' Settlement
 |
|
Vladimir Vengerov
|
USSR (Lenfilm) / 1965 / 138 min / B&W
Director: Vladimir VENGEROV
Cast: Oleg BORISOV, Lyudmila GURCHENKO
|
Synopsis: A Russian family returns to their home, but everything has been destroyed in the war. Leonid (Oleg BORISOV), who has was blinded during an airstrike, surrenders to despair and becomes an alcoholic. His wife Maria, who is upset with his degeneration, decides to take their son and leave him. However, the son chooses to stay with his father, and they begin singing in train cars to earn a living. As their devastated town is gradually rebuilt, Leonid's fellow soldiers start returning home. They are shocked and saddened with the ruin of a man he has become, and criticize him badly. He decides to quit drinking and starts a job at a factory. Leonid attempts to reform his life at a new apartment with his son, and continues to wait for Maria's return. But his son can not forgive the mother that abandoned them. Maria eventually comes back after she finds out Leonid has taken ill. Her life alone has been a great struggle as well. One day, Maria and Leonid see off their son to summer school-together.
|
|
|
July Rain
 |
|
Marlen Khutsiev
|
USSR (Mosfilm) / 1966 / 109 min / B&W
Director: Marlen KHUTSIYEV
Cast: Yevgeniya URALOV, Aleksandr BELYAVSKY
|
This is a recently rediscovered masterpiece of major filmmaker Marlen KHUTSIYEV (I am Twenty, 1964). It sensitively depicts, with a nouvelle vauge touch, the figures and backgrounds of young people in '60s, who search for ideals and meaning in their lives. Selected for the Venice Film Festival at the time of its production, KHUTSIYEV was forced to cancel its screening due to strong pressure from the Soviet Government.
Synopsis: Set in Moscow in the 1960s. Lena (Yevgeniya URALOV) meets the promising young scientist Volodya (Aleksandr BELYAVSKY), and begins seeing him romantically. Spending time with him and his friends, she starts having doubts about their empty conversations, their superficial relationships, and Volodya's cynical pragmatism. One day they go on a trip to the South. Volodya proposes to her, but she rejects him and makes up her mind to separate. Back in Moscow, she joins a meeting with a group of WWII veterans at the Bolshoi Theater. She finds her place and feels inner happiness surrounded by the men who served for their country.
|
|
