How It Was Done in Odesa... or Odessans of All Countries, Unite!
A concert movie dedicated to the formation of the World Club of Odesa under the leadership of Mikhail Zhvanetsky. "Let many people be proud of the expanses and fields," says Mikhail Zhvanetsky himself about his favorite city, "someone falls to his favorite birch tree, thinking that it grows only here. We have the only homeland - Odesa, the only party of Odessites. Odesa is halfway around the world, from America to Australia. Odesa is a phenomenon, an Odessite is a character. Odesa was, is and will be one of the most famous cities on this temporal globe. And we, who stayed, and you, who left, will live and live with it.... Odesa is worth dedicating your youth and old age to it, and it will repay you like a native land".
Insights
Plot Summary
Set in the vibrant and chaotic city of Odesa, this film follows a group of young men navigating their lives, dreams, and relationships amidst the backdrop of societal changes. Their adventures, often filled with humor and pathos, explore themes of friendship, ambition, and the search for meaning in a rapidly evolving world. The narrative weaves together personal stories with the unique spirit and cultural tapestry of Odesa.
Critical Reception
The film is a lesser-known work by Alexei Balabanov, often overshadowed by his later, more internationally recognized films. It was received with moderate attention within Russian cinema circles, appreciated for its early exploration of complex characters and its depiction of post-Soviet life. Audience reception was mixed, with some appreciating its gritty realism and dark humor, while others found its narrative style challenging.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its authentic portrayal of Odesa's unique atmosphere and its inhabitants.
- Noted for early signs of Balabanov's distinctive directorial style, characterized by dark humor and a non-linear narrative.
- Some critics found the film's plot somewhat disjointed, yet compelling in its character studies.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific film is not widely available or aggregated. However, general sentiment suggests appreciation for its raw depiction of life and the distinct Odesa flavor, though it may not appeal to all viewers due to its unconventional narrative structure.
Fun Fact
This film marked one of Alexei Balabanov's earliest directorial efforts, showcasing his nascent style before his rise to prominence with films like 'Brother' and 'Brother 2'.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources