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Best Russian Classic Comedy Films (10+1list)

Best Russian Classic Comedy Films

written by Souranath Banerjee

Best Russian Classic Comedy Films: Though full of talented writers, actors and directors Russian Cinema have never seen its full potential for many years. Unfortunately there was strict political restriction on every aspect of art for over a period of 25 years, many valuable film-prints have been burnt and destroyed while the lives of innumerable filmmakers were wasted as they were never allowed to make a single movie!

But still some of the movies that were fortunate enough to be made and released, many among them were comedies and that too of great entertainment value. And some directors among them often in the form of allegory or satire dared to portray the real struggle of the people in the then Soviet nation. And they succeeded with flying colors!

And so here are some of the Best Russian Classic Comedy Films, evergreen and hilarious as ever!

10. The Girls (1961)

Devchata (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Divs3I1ioQ

Russian-Classic-ComedyDuring winter a young and naive girl comes to work at a lodging as a cook at a distant Siberian village and meets the most popular guy in the town. But contrary to all the other girl’s prediction it the guy who falls for her and not the other way round!

Directed by Yuriy Chulyukin, an adorable RomCom, great music, awesome performances and certainly one of the most popular Russian cinema of the time.

9. The Golden Calf (1968)

Zolotoy telyonok (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxQv7_IfLhE

Russian-Classic-ComedyBased on the famous novel from Ilya Ilf and Yevgeni Petrov by the same name, a humorous tale of a charming con man who blackmails an “underground Soviet millionaire” to fulfill his dream of moving to Rio de Janeiro.

Directed by Mikhail Shvejtser and such excellent performances by Sergey Yurskiy and Leonid Kuravlyov, a lengthy film but hilarious and definitely worth your time. 

8. Gentlemen of Fortune (1971)

Dzhentlmeny udachi (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGn-N31nHuk

Russian-Classic-ComedyA timid kindergarten teacher is mistaken as a notorious criminal because they look alike. And then the authorities try to capture the real goon by disguising the innocent as the criminal!

Directed by Aleksandr Seryj, and Evgeniy Leonov having a double role – this classic comedy-formula of mistaken identity has been used for ages but this film is probably the most hilarious example of the concept.

7. Heart of a Dog (1988)

Sobache serdtse (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-2pOQcbFx4

Russian-Classic-ComedyA science experiment has gone wrong, a Professor and his colleague manage to turn a stray dog into something very close to a human being!

Directed by Vladimir Bortko, a rare Russian Sci Fi comedy, a cult classic adopted from Mikhail A. Bulgakov‘s work, highly controversial as the film can be interpreted as a brilliant socio political allegory.

6. Only Old Men Are Going to Battle (1974)

V boy idut odni ‘stariki’ (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JN4i0OnHdA

Russian-Classic-ComedyDirected by Leonid Bykov who is also the lead in the movie, a popular classic that focuses on the Soviet pilots fighting the Germans in the Ukraine during the WWII.

Not a war film though, not exactly a comedy as well but still it will always have a special place in the history of Russian cinema for powerfully narrating the sentiments of people during the war. Great music as well!

5. Welcome, or No Trespassing (1964)

Dobro pozhalovat, ili Postoronnim vkhod vospreshchen (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blHxQ7ATzCc

Russian-Classic-ComedyA lesser known Russian comedy that guarantees enough entertainment and laughter!

It’s about the children and the strict regime they have to follow, and the struggles they have to face while growing up.

Directed by Elem Klimov, this one is a classic satire also can be interpreted as a brilliant parody of the then Soviet life. A must watch!

4. Mimino (1977)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isxBXnbuUqc

Russian-Classic-Comedy

A helicopter pilot of a local airlines goes to Moscow following his dreams to become an international pilot. But chasing dreams are always difficult.

A simple story with great cultural references, essentially about humanity and friendship.

Directed by the acclaimed Georgiy Daneliya, this one is probably the most popular Russian comedy ever made!

Other comedies by the same director are Walking the Streets of Moscow (1964), Ne goryuy! (1969), Afonya (1975), Autumn Marathon (1979) and Kin-dza-dza! (1986)

3. Operation ‘Y’ & Other Shurik’s Adventures (1965)

Operatsiya ‘Y’ i drugie priklyucheniya Shurika (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPU-L6xr_2k

Russian-Classic-Comedy

Three mini films with one common central character played by the brilliant Aleksandr Demyanenko. Hilarious and superbly performed, the comedy is more into the slapstick Charlie Chaplin zone but effective and highly entertaining!

Leonid Gayday, a director who specialized in comedy and his films are still some of the most popular ones all over the world.

Other comedies by the same director are Kidnapping, Caucasian Style (1967), The Diamond Arm (1969), Ivan Vasilievich: Back to the Future (1973) and Twelve Chairs (1971)

2. Office Romance (1977)

Sluzhebnyy roman (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjTimO4j2T4

Russian-Classic-ComedyMy personal favorite in the list, a film that is so sensitive and yet absolutely hilarious!

A man wants to impress his strict lady-boss for that office promotion but unexpectedly they fall for each other!

Directed by one of the best Russian director of the time Eldar Ryazanov, I won’t exactly call it a laugh riot but this one will tickle your funny bones for sure.

Other comedies by the same director are Carnival in Moscow (1956), Watch Out for the Automobile (1966) and Gusarskaya ballada (1962).

1. Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears (1980) 

Moskva slezam ne verit (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTWE4KTrQaw

Russian-Classic-ComedyA masterpiece from the acclaimed director Vladimir Menshov, narrating the story of three girlfriends – starting with their adventurous youth and then leaping 20 years ahead in their lives!

The Oscar winning film though so effectively punctuated with numerous comic moments is essentially a beautiful drama that will make you laugh and cry at the same time.

Other comedies by the same director are  Love and Doves (1985) and Shirli-myrli (1995).

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. Happiness (1935)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LGx3n3I_LE

Russian-Classic-ComedyA classic silent film, both funny and political at the same time.

The ‘Loser’ farmer and his misadventures – more in the line of Buster Keaton type humor where the expressionless protagonist moves around through a series of comic disasters!

One of the earliest and critically acclaimed comedy from Russia directed by Aleksandr Medvedkin.

A few other popular Russian Classic Comedy Films that didn’t make the list but totally worth checking out are Striped Trip (1961), The Night Before Christmas (1962),  Tri plyus dva (1963), The Republic of ShKID (1966), Hello, I’m Your Aunt! (1975), Formula of Love (1984), A Man from Boulevard des Capucines (1987), Peculiarities of the National Hunt (1995),  Peculiarities of the National Fishing (1997).

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com.

Best War Films of all times (20+1list)

Best War Films of all times

written by Souranath Banerjee

Best War Films can be generally categorized into two basic types. Firstly the ones that glamorize and romanticize the concept of war for the War-Films-postersheer entertainment of the audience, as most of us want to enjoy the thrill of the battle-zone but shy away from the horrors and perils of it – more like a harmless video game!

And then the second kind that actually portray war as realistically as possible; the action, the bloodshed, the destruction, the cries of the wounded and the death of the young and innocents.

“It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.”

The films listed below mostly belong to the second category; they are the Best War Films of all times that have the audacity to paint the ugly face of war and tell stories of not only courage and strength but also of the brutality and helplessness of both the armed and the civilians.

Let the battle begin.

20. The Beast of War (1988)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcJuxYXpI5w

Best-War-FilmsA much underrated war film based on the Afgan-Soviet conflict, but it superbly portrays the brutality of a battle zone, the psychology and instincts of the armed and civilians.

Directed by Kevin Reynolds, a war drama mostly based on a Tank crew led by an eccentric commander who needs to be stopped for good.

Far more realistic than the 2014 star-studded Tank-movie – Fury.

19. Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51lo2dpaZ_g

Best-War-FilmsNominated for 4 Oscars, won one; brilliantly directed by Clint Eastwood, this film is a heroic take of the 40 days war between America and Japan to capture the island of Iwo Jima (a potential strategic point).

A brilliant war drama from the Japanese soldiers perspective, outstanding performances, a thrilling yet emotional storyline and very realistic depiction of the battle.

18. Red Cliff (2008)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd0bqLQrtdE

Best-War-FilmsEmperor Han under the influence of his Prime Minister Cao Cao fought epic battles to unite all of China under his sole command.

Directed by John Woo, this film is the first part of the monumental battle of Red Cliff which altered the Chinese history forever.

Red Cliff II (2009) is probably even a better cinematic experience. Another must watch war-film. 

17.  The Battle of Algiers (1966)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ca3M2feqJk8

Best-War-FilmsBased on the Algerian revolution in the 1950s, as the people of Algeria seeking independence rebel against the French government and fight a ruthless war that ends after a series of tortures and bombings.

Directed by Gillo Pontecorvo, commissioned by Algerian government, banned in France until recently, nominated for 3 Oscars in two separate non-consecutive years!

16. Kanal (1957)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LnLszHOLNs

Best-War-FilmsSet in the last days of the Warsaw uprising in 1944, a group of Polish resistance fighters reluctantly use the sewer system to escape the indomitable German wrath.

Directed by Andrzej Wajda, this is a unique war drama that explores the human instinct of the soldiers to survive above everything else. A tragic yet highly realistic depiction of the ugly face of war.

15.  The Hurt Locker (2008)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIbFvqFYRT4

Best-War-FilmsFinally a film on the bomb squad – the so-called technicians of the military who risk their lives many times a day to ensure safety for their troops.

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, this tensed war drama follows a maverick Sergeant (Jeremy Renner) who leads his bomb squad-team through the heart of the Iraq war’s modern IED warfare.

14.  The Cross of Iron (1977)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AonZdAfEQgA

Best-War-FilmsCross of Iron is one of the top military decorations awarded for extraordinary courage but what if somebody undeserving wants to claim it for his personal ambition?

Directed by Sam Peckinpah, a brutal portrayal of WWII as the film follows the fate of a German unit that faces extreme danger due to the treachery of their own commander. James Coburn‘s performance is exceptional!

13. Stalingrad (1993)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlMw8CjyV80

Best-War-FilmsAs the name suggests, this one is an epic portrayal of the battle of Stalingard; from the time when the German Army… tries to invade the city till their struggle to maintain dominance in the cold Russian winter.

Directed by Joseph Vilsmaier, the sheer scale of the film is highly commendable, and then the brilliant performances, the realistic story-line, the music and the depiction of the ugly face of human devastation in a war – probably the best War film ever made.

12. The Cruel Sea (1953)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joUDAD3GB3g

Best-War-Films

Though pretty successful when released, and yet so underrated, one of the lesser popular war films but believe me, it surely deserves a spot in this list.

Directed by Charles Frend, this one is a terrific war drama of a British convoy ship in action over the North Atlantic during the WW II. 

A powerful script, intense situations and superb acting, specially by Jack Hawkins.

11. Platoon (1986)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KztP7SKe0uk

Best-War-FilmsWar often gets too brutal for the young recruits and the Vietnam War was no different.

The film is directed by Oliver Stone (a Vietnam veteran himself) and he won the Oscar for this film!

It is said to be the most complete war film ever made, though it’s banned in Vietnam because of its depiction of the Vietnamese people. A must watch in the list!

10. Enemy at the Gates (2001)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4O-sMh_DO6I

Best-War-FilmsWorld War II, the battle in Stalingrad will decide the fate of the war! And one Russian snipper Vassili Zaitsev (Jude Law), seems to be making all the difference!

But then the Germans send a master snipper to compete, and then the deathly game begins!

Based on true characters, directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, starring Ed Harris, Joseph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz – a brilliant war drama full of action, suspense and romance. Definitely the best snipper movie ever made!

9. Paths of Glory (1957)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmDA60X-f_A

Best-War-FilmsDirected by none other than Stanley Kubrick, for me this film has always scored higher than Kubrick’s other two famous war-films Full Metal Jacket (1987) and Dr. Strangelove (1964).

The ruthlessness of the battle (WWI) and the dirty war-politics played by the higher army officials – portrayed to perfection.

One of Kirk Douglas‘s most memorable performances till date. 

8. Apocalypse Now (1979)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkrhkUeDCdQ

Best-War-FilmsMaster director Francis Ford Coppola shot nearly 200 hours of footage – a film that took 16 months of shooting and 3 years of editing!

Martin Sheen and Marlon Brando comes together in this psychologically disturbing Vietnam War saga. 

The sound of the helicopter wings panning from left to right as they are dissolve into a match cut with the ceiling fan – simply epic!

7. All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiObc2XmVqw

Best-War-Films

Directed by Lewis Milestone, this was the first talkie war film to win the Oscar! (won both the best picture and the best director awards).

Banned in Germany soon after its release as they claimed that the Germans were shown as cowards!

Though visuals of extreme violence was consciously avoided but still the film’s depiction of WWI is damn honest and brutal.

6. Das Boot (1981)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMj0_wCn6jM

Best-War-FilmsDirected by Wolfgang Petersen this is the epic tale of the crew of a German U-boat (submarine) during the last phase of WW II. 

Highly claustrophobic as most of the film is shot inside the submarine and yet so dramatic and powerful. Some of the tensed moments in the film are deliberately slow with a nerve wrenching effect on the audience. Jürgen Prochnow is brilliant!

5. Come and See (1985)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-Ro0SZf438

Best-War-FilmsIn this film the horrors of war (WW II) is depicted in an ultra-realistic manner, often considered too graphic and brutal. 

Directed by Elem Klimov, the film revolves around a young boy who finds an old rifle and instinctively decides to join the Soviet Army. 

Original uniforms and live ammunitions were used for authenticity.

4. The Thin Red Line (1998)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCmlOhsIwBk

Best-War-Films‘Every man fights their own war’ and so does each of them!

Directed by Terrence Malick the film was nominated for Oscars in 7 categories!

A philosophical war drama starring Jim CaviezelSean PennNick NolteAdrien BrodyJohn CusackJohn C. ReillyWoody HarrelsonJared LetoJohn TravoltaGeorge Clooney.

3. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlC7XBayj0s

Best-War-FilmsDirected by  David Lean who is also famous for his other war films like In Which We Serve (1942) and Lawrence of Arabia (1962).

Based on the story when the British prisoners in a Japanese camp were ordered to built a bridge. The film took 7 Oscars that year, won in all the major categories!

William HoldenAlec Guinness and Jack Hawkins in their career-best performances.

2. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EsVtn2GvBo

Best-War-Films

A team lead by Tom Hanks was set to save Private Ryan (Matt Damon) and bring him home.

Steven Spielberg directed this film and according to many film-lovers it contains some of the most authentic war scenes ever filmed (specially the Omaha Beach battle sequence).

Undoubtedly the most popular war film ever made. Also Voted #1 greatest war film in UK’s Channel 4 poll in 2005. 

1. Ivan’s Childhood (1962)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=setzqMoEEUU

Best-War-FilmsThis is the story of 12 year old Ivan, a young war hero, a spy and most importantly a soldier!

Directed by the renowned Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky

The film is one of the most poetic and beautifully shot war films I have ever seen. Though it doesn’t show much of actual combat but still it manages to deliver the chills of war to its full effect.

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2-1hz1juBI

Best-War-FilmsA biographical take on an American Army Medic Desmond T. Doss (Andrew Garfield) who fought the Battle of Okinawa without a gun!

Directed by Mel Gibson, this one is an astonishing tale of a man whose religious views didn’t allow him to carry a weapon, or kill anybody. But it didn’t stop him from saving hundreds of lives and winning the Medal of Honor for his incredible courage – without firing one single shot!

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comwww.imdb.com.