Top Cast
-
Galina Belyaeva
Olga
-
Oleg Yankovskiy
Kamyshev
-
Leonid Markov
Urbenin
-
Kirill Lavrov
Count Karneyev
-
Grigore Grigoriu
Kalidis
-
Svetlana Toma
-
Olegar Fedoro
-
Aleksandr Zvenigorskiy
-
Valeri Sokoloverov
Overview
An aristocrat falls for a young woman who brings him ruin. Based on Chekhov's story. AKA A Hunting Accident, The Shooting Party.
Rating
1 Reviews
-
CinemaSerf7 Dec 17, 2024This has something of the judgement of Paris about the story, only this time it's the impoverished "Olga" (Galena Belyaeva) who has to choose between three men who would have her heart, body and soul. Perhaps the most obvious choices might be the dashing "Kamyshev" (Oleg Yankovskiy), or maybe the elderly count "Karneyev" (Kirill Lavrov) but might she also consider the rather dour widower "Urbenin" (Leonid Markov)? What's clear is that all three would be perfectly happy to have her keep them warm on a winter's night. "Olga" is not, initially at any rate, a temptress, though. She doesn't wish to use any wiles and looks to ensnare anyone, she does genuinely believe that there is hope that she will find true love - and there's a clear candidate from her trio of suitors for that. What chance though? In the end might she, and her family, elect for anything to get them out of the miserably cold poverty in which they live whilst the gentry enjoy their lavish meals, fresh fruit and warming brandy? It's a Chekhov story that's done the rounds over the years, but this adaptation stays a bit truer to the original in that it imbues the girl with a degree of innocence, purity even, and Belyaeva delivers an emotionally nuanced effort that's half Julie Christie and half Ingrid Bergman. The male characters don't fare so well as decent examples of their sex and on that front I found Lavrov to turn in the most engaging effort, especially as the film develops and we all realise that their ancient system of serf and noble is on it's last legs. The production design shows off the opulent decadence in contrast with the more rustic realities well: the gates to the big house that were opened and closed even though there were no walls or fences on either side rather illustrated the fragility of the landed gentry's societal position. At times it is a little too theatrical and can leave it somewhat stilted on occasion, but there are solid efforts from both behind and in front of the camera to tell a story of a recalibration of a society and of a women who wants to make her own choices in life. Oh, and it's a love story too.
Recommendations
Clare and Aidan make a pact to break up before college — no regrets, no broken hearts. But will one epic goodbye date offer them a last chance at love?
Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between
A novelist is blinded in a car crash that killed his wife and several years later rediscovers his passion for life and writing when he embarks on an affair with the neglected wife of an indicted businessman.
Blind
Maud Bailey, a brilliant English academic, is researching the life and work of poet Christabel La Motte. Roland Michell is an American scholar in London to study Randolph Henry Ash, now best-known for a collection of poems dedicated to his wife. When Maud and Roland discover a cache of love letters that appear to be from Ash to La Motte, they follow a trail of clues across England, echoing the journey of the couple over a century earlier.
Possession
Miles Montego has it all - cars, boats, good looks, mansion, money, women, but more importantly, he has a past.
I'm in Love with a Church Girl
A burglar falls for an heiress as she dies in his arms. When he learns that he has the gift of reincarnation, he sets out to save her.
Winter's Tale
After leaving his wife, lawyer Jerry Ryan moves from Omaha, Nebraska to New York City to start a new life. While studying for the New York Bar Examination and working to finalize his divorce, Ryan meets dancer Gittel Mosca, and the two begin a cautious courtship. However, Ryan feels that he must come to terms with his failed marriage and overcome his lingering attachment to his ex-wife before he can redefine himself and embrace his budding romance.
Two for the Seesaw
A car accident and shifting affections test the bond between a married couple.
Not Easily Broken
A privileged girl and a charismatic boy's instant desire sparks a love affair made only more reckless by parents trying to keep them apart.
Endless Love
Captives of the very relationships that define and sustain them, nine women resiliently meet the travails and disappointments of life.
Nine Lives
Fanny Price is sent to live with her wealthy relatives, the Bertrams, where she is treated poorly by most except her cousin Edmund. Her life is complicated by the arrival of the worldly Mary and Henry Crawford.