One of the best ways to learn the Russian language and to understand the Russian culture is watching movies. Indeed, films are replete with useful words and phrases that can help you improve your proficiency, when you are learning the Russian language.
The iconic Soviet films contain expressions and idioms that are extremely useful for those who decide to study the Russian language, or want to travel to Russia and be able to maintain a conversation with native speakers.
Moreover, Soviet films are a huge part of modern Russian culture. Several generations of Russian people were brought up watching those films and absorbing the wisdom and life values such as responsibility, kindness, sincerity, and many others. That is why Soviet cinema became popular not only at home, but also among the foreign audience.
“War and Peace”, 1966
Soviet war drama film adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s 1869 novel War and Peace. The film, released in four installments throughout 1966 and 1967, starred Bondarchuk in the leading role of Pierre Bezukhov. It was the most expensive film made in the Soviet Union. Upon its release, it became a success with audiences, selling approximately 135 million tickets in its native country. War and Peace also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film and the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
“Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears”, 1979
This is a life story of three girlfriends from youth to autumn ages. Their dreams and wishes, love, disillusions, different careers, and big late love. The film instantly gained success abroad, and won the Academy Award, since it was so genuine that it made people who were watching it burst into laugh and tears at the same time.
“Ivan Vasilievich Changes Profession”, 1973
This is a comic science-fiction film about the time-travel of the Tsar Ivan IV and an ordinary man Ivan Vasilevich Bunsha. The language barrier could become an absolute obstacle for a foreign viewer for understanding the jokes and puns connected with features of the Soviet life. However, this fact didn’t stop people from watching it, and it is still being described as “the best and most amusing film for family viewing”.
“The Diamond Arm”, 1968
Considered the most popular film of the Soviet era, it is loved and appreciated even today. It’s a story about the modest workman called Semyon Semyonovich who entered a heroic duel with a gang of smugglers. The enchanting cascade of tricks, jokes, music turns performed by brilliant comedy actors steadily “strikes” with laughter any audience.
“The Cranes Are Flying”, 1957
This is a story about love brutally destroyed by the events of the World War II. It became the only Soviet full-length feature that won the award of the Cannes Film Festival. Nowadays it concerns the hearts of the western audience as well as nearly 60 years ago.
