53 reviews
Wonderfully entertaining and touching
a nice movie. Splendid, in one word
This is a tribute to the Soviet era some people in Ukraine still consider to be the best years of their lives.I saw the movie in my child years, but didn't pay much attention to it. Now, when I study film history and techniques, the movie revealed to me some dark sides. "Moskva sliezam nie verit", I guess, tells a story of a humble Soviet woman in pursuit for happiness with a beloved man. This woman does not care about feminism. True love of a man-"stronghold", a man who is ready to comfort her any time she needs--that is what she is searching for in life. The movie shows some cloudy moments in the way to happiness three female friends go along. And the movie ends up where it should--an "island of placid" I watch it in original. Have to say, many phrases from the movie are cited in Ukrainian and Russian-speaking communities these days.
A film about three women out for love.
Moscow Does Not Believe In Tears is an appealing comedy-drama with much to say about Soviet society from the 1950s to the 1970s. The cast deliver standout performances, and this is the film's greatest strength. The story is about their lives. The city's scenery is often featured, with cinematography that's good for a Soviet drama film. The score, however, is standard fare, but there are a few notable songs. Considering its high entertainment value it's no wonder that Moscow Does Not Believe In Tears became one of the most popular films in the Soviet Union. It even won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1980. It's just one of those films where everyone involved in making it contributed to a result that delivers on all fronts. If the acting or the direction was worse then the result could have been another forgettable drama. Soviet filmmakers, however, specialized in drama films. This is because of the restrictions that were put on them by the government. Many good dramas were released during the Soviet period, and Moscow Does Not Believe In Tears is one of the most memorable. I definitely recommend seeing it.
- toqtaqiya2
- Nov 6, 2010
- Permalink
Very good movie
This was one of the last movies I have seen before leaving Russia. I am watching it every time with a lot of pleasure. It is funny, and touching to tears some moments. It is also very realistic, as many women in Russia went through the same problems as the three girls, and it touches most of people in Russia. It is also showing that it is never late to restart and suceed in your life, and in spite of difficulties it is possible to reach your goal and success (whatever it means for you).
What a great movie!
This is one of the most captivating love stories I've ever seen on film. It starts with a young woman (Katya, played by Vera Alentova) reporting to her Worker's Dormitory friends that she has flunked by two points the exam to get into university. It ends with the most incredible sweetness of life.
It is like a French film done by a Russian company (which is what it is). The Moscow we see that does not believe in tears does believe in love, and it is not a Moscow of politics, although some people do call one another "comrade." This is a woman's point of view film (a "chick flick") that transcends any genre cage. It begins slowly, almost painfully dull in a way that will remind the viewer of all the clichés about Russia, the unstylish dress, the worker's paradise that isn't, the sharp contrast between Moscow and the peasants who live outside the city. Katya works in a factory. She works at a drill press. She is obviously underemployed. Lyudmila (Irina Muravyova) works in a bakery. She is probably gainfully employed for the time and place. They are friends, twentysomethings who are on the make for a man, but not a man from the sticks. They pretend to be university post docs or something close to that and they impress some people as they house-sit a beautiful Moscow apartment.
This is how their adult life begins in a sense. Lyudmila falls in love with an athlete; Katya becomes infatuated with a television cameraman. One thing leads to another and before we know it they are forty. Neither relationship worked out. The athlete becomes an alcoholic, the cameraman, in the sway of his mother, believes that Katya is beneath him (once he finds out that she works in a factory). How wrong he is, of course.
But no more of the plot. I won't spoil it. The plot is important. The characterizations are important. The story is like a Russian novel in that it spans lots of time, but once you are engaged you will find that the two and a half hours fly by and you will, perhaps like me, say at the end "What a great movie!" My hat is off to director Vladimir Menshov and to Valentin Chernykh who wrote the script and to the cast. I've mentioned Vera Alentova and Irina Muravyova, but Aleksey Batlov who played Gosha was also excellent. I don't want to say anymore. Just watch the film. It is one of the best I've ever seen.
(Note: Over 500 of my movie reviews are now available in my book "Cut to the Chaise Lounge or I Can't Believe I Swallowed the Remote!" Get it at Amazon!)
It is like a French film done by a Russian company (which is what it is). The Moscow we see that does not believe in tears does believe in love, and it is not a Moscow of politics, although some people do call one another "comrade." This is a woman's point of view film (a "chick flick") that transcends any genre cage. It begins slowly, almost painfully dull in a way that will remind the viewer of all the clichés about Russia, the unstylish dress, the worker's paradise that isn't, the sharp contrast between Moscow and the peasants who live outside the city. Katya works in a factory. She works at a drill press. She is obviously underemployed. Lyudmila (Irina Muravyova) works in a bakery. She is probably gainfully employed for the time and place. They are friends, twentysomethings who are on the make for a man, but not a man from the sticks. They pretend to be university post docs or something close to that and they impress some people as they house-sit a beautiful Moscow apartment.
This is how their adult life begins in a sense. Lyudmila falls in love with an athlete; Katya becomes infatuated with a television cameraman. One thing leads to another and before we know it they are forty. Neither relationship worked out. The athlete becomes an alcoholic, the cameraman, in the sway of his mother, believes that Katya is beneath him (once he finds out that she works in a factory). How wrong he is, of course.
But no more of the plot. I won't spoil it. The plot is important. The characterizations are important. The story is like a Russian novel in that it spans lots of time, but once you are engaged you will find that the two and a half hours fly by and you will, perhaps like me, say at the end "What a great movie!" My hat is off to director Vladimir Menshov and to Valentin Chernykh who wrote the script and to the cast. I've mentioned Vera Alentova and Irina Muravyova, but Aleksey Batlov who played Gosha was also excellent. I don't want to say anymore. Just watch the film. It is one of the best I've ever seen.
(Note: Over 500 of my movie reviews are now available in my book "Cut to the Chaise Lounge or I Can't Believe I Swallowed the Remote!" Get it at Amazon!)
- DennisLittrell
- Apr 20, 2007
- Permalink
You usually don't expect to see some of these things.
- lee_eisenberg
- Mar 1, 2006
- Permalink
Oscar-winning story about young dreamers
Moving story of three young girls who come to the capital of Soviet Russia in search of their fate. They play rich girls to impress the guys, and succeed in doing so. Katya (the protagonist) does not like the game, but still goes with the girls. But the truth is soon revealed, and Katya's boyfriend breaks up with her. She is pregnant and has to raise a kid alone in a tiny dorm room, and still try to get an education.
The second part shows the three girlfriends 20 years later. Katya is a very successful business lady and has a wonderful daughter. But she hasn't found real love, and the story takes a new turn when she meets Gosha in a train. They both now have to find ways into each other's established lives. A very nice and sincere story that people watch over and over again!
The second part shows the three girlfriends 20 years later. Katya is a very successful business lady and has a wonderful daughter. But she hasn't found real love, and the story takes a new turn when she meets Gosha in a train. They both now have to find ways into each other's established lives. A very nice and sincere story that people watch over and over again!
- Chicago_girl
- Jul 29, 2004
- Permalink
masterpiece
- Kirpianuscus
- Feb 10, 2018
- Permalink
I believe it's worth watching
- hte-trasme
- Jun 5, 2014
- Permalink
too much quality to sum up
Vladimir Menshov's well-balanced 'Moscow does not believe in tears' provides a moving story about human warmth. About fortunes and misfortunes that can befell anyone of us -- enabling us to identify easily.
This film also is about a very East European female eagerness to hunt after Mr. Right. Pressure is on, for in Communist society failure usually meant a lifelong condemnation to a poor, worried, boring and tiring life in some drab Russian provincial town. With a big possibility that your husband would booze himself up too much.
No doubt this film's acting makes its strongest feature. Its uninterrupted, breathtaking quality convincingly carries you back some fifty years in time. To Moscow, the capital of the USSR. Although this Communist society has been gone for a long time, 'Moscow does not believe in tears' will easily get you back there.
This film also is about a very East European female eagerness to hunt after Mr. Right. Pressure is on, for in Communist society failure usually meant a lifelong condemnation to a poor, worried, boring and tiring life in some drab Russian provincial town. With a big possibility that your husband would booze himself up too much.
No doubt this film's acting makes its strongest feature. Its uninterrupted, breathtaking quality convincingly carries you back some fifty years in time. To Moscow, the capital of the USSR. Although this Communist society has been gone for a long time, 'Moscow does not believe in tears' will easily get you back there.
- wvisser-leusden
- May 10, 2009
- Permalink
Russians Are People, Too
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.
Allegedly, US President Ronald Reagan watched the film several times prior to his meetings with the President of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, in order to gain a better understanding of the "Russian soul". What is so odd about this is the idea that the Russian soul is all that different from the American soul, or any other country's soul. The women featured here could just as easily been American in most (if not all) of their adventures.
That being said, I was a bit surprised about how "free" everything seemed. Russia gets a bad rap as a strict, awful place, but we actually get a very feminist vision in this story... and touch on some questionable subjects like abortion. Perhaps Soviet Russia was not what we think? (at least not by 1980.)
Allegedly, US President Ronald Reagan watched the film several times prior to his meetings with the President of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, in order to gain a better understanding of the "Russian soul". What is so odd about this is the idea that the Russian soul is all that different from the American soul, or any other country's soul. The women featured here could just as easily been American in most (if not all) of their adventures.
That being said, I was a bit surprised about how "free" everything seemed. Russia gets a bad rap as a strict, awful place, but we actually get a very feminist vision in this story... and touch on some questionable subjects like abortion. Perhaps Soviet Russia was not what we think? (at least not by 1980.)
story about Soviet Cinderella
If you try to understand the meaning of Soviet mode of life (especially place of woman in Soviet society), this film represents the best one you can find for this purpose. The destinies of three women are depicted in clear and awesome way, and the most important you can see is that whatever happens in life, try to be optimist and to do everything not to give up living and being happy.
- lenatigress
- Jan 16, 2002
- Permalink
Good movie but a bit dated.
This is a fairly good movie. It has quiet a few good comedy scenes. But, mostly, it is a drama, without being overly melodramatic. The deep friendship that the common working class people shared amongst themselves without judgement was very refreshing. The actors are all good. What ruined the pie for me a bit though was the subservience-of-woman-motif that kept raising its ugly head from time to time. In this context, the film is a bit dated & ends up offending the modern viewer.
- ilovesaturdays
- Aug 14, 2021
- Permalink
Stale film from the central committee
- Oslo_Jargo
- Oct 22, 2008
- Permalink
Small Theme with a Big Heart
Culturally interesting since this occurs in a Communist country that US propaganda gave little insight on the values and realities of the people. We see idealistic poets who say the older generation made mistakes, women promoted to executive positions, a film produced by the State yet approaching sexual themes, Western idolization, the drudgery of repetitive industrial work, and class distinctions between the haves and have-nots.
Also of interest is the protagonist's view of herself. Without revealing plot twists, it is suffice to say that a woman is socially seen as submissive to the man. This is a shock to Western sensibilities of women's equality, especially as we see her ordeals as a result of a man's selfishness and dominance. What is revealing is that she, herself does not rebel against the System. She works within the parameters, creates her own success, and becomes transformed.
Being Western, I found myself questioning whether she had truly achieved something. The crown of achievement, we are taught, is independence, equality. Whereas she achieved that in a career and in her lifestyle, in her heart, she yearned for a man, to be the little wife, and to submit herself to a patriarchal marriage. But, in the end, who are we to judge another's happiness?
Also of interest is the protagonist's view of herself. Without revealing plot twists, it is suffice to say that a woman is socially seen as submissive to the man. This is a shock to Western sensibilities of women's equality, especially as we see her ordeals as a result of a man's selfishness and dominance. What is revealing is that she, herself does not rebel against the System. She works within the parameters, creates her own success, and becomes transformed.
Being Western, I found myself questioning whether she had truly achieved something. The crown of achievement, we are taught, is independence, equality. Whereas she achieved that in a career and in her lifestyle, in her heart, she yearned for a man, to be the little wife, and to submit herself to a patriarchal marriage. But, in the end, who are we to judge another's happiness?
A very clever plot.
Perfect love story
A soviet film very emotive and marvelous.When I saw by first turn I to touch much,because is a realist story about the life. And is more,like is a movie of 1979,in that time not are common see a single woman with a child.Well,my opinion is that this film is like that to announce the future.Well,in this moment are more divorces,single woman with a child,homosexuality, things that in that time not are very common.The director makes very good in to think and to realize this film.Deserving of the Oscar,is one of the films more memorable that I saw. My opinion:A perfect love story.Please,see this film.
Entertaining as well as an interesting look at life in the late Brezhnev era
More than an entertaining film
- AudemarsPiguet
- Feb 24, 2005
- Permalink
Like a Russian American Graffiti
You might say this is a Russian version of American Graffiti. It starts following the lives of a large group of Russian teens in 1958. However, it follows them through the next 20 years as well. The movie gets more and more interesting as the characters evolve to become more serious. The gradual ageing of the players is quite well done, and pangs of nostalgia for how short life is. Nothing too dramatic happens, marriages, divorces, unplanned pregnancies, meddling mothers. It is all in Russian with subtitles. The characters, though often silly, love each other a lot, and stand by each other. Everyone just revels in the joy of hanging out with friends. It makes you wish you were Russian.
Worth Watching At least Once!
This movie is not likable by everyone, although I loved it. There is not much to this movie if we compare it with fast paced action, thriller of Hollywood or intense drama, but instead this is a simple movie of three women friends in general or more specifically of Katerina who is a hard working women, then successful women, unmarried mother and raises her well too. So this movie starts with the friendship of three women characters then shows how their lives are changed when two gets married and other didn't as she got pregnant and her boyfriend left her and then goes to their later stage of lives when they are not young any more and how their lives have changed. In short, I can say it is kind of character study from start to end (as characters grow at every segment of the movie like in the beginning they are in hostel having fun, partying and all, working, then get married, become mother and then later stage when one is successful but not that lucky in love, other lucky in love others having mixed life). Acting by the main character is very good and believable as fun loving girl, traditional at times, working women (working in factory with men's and even better at her job than others, she even repairs the machines), mother, and at the end lover. Other casts too are good and works well. Direction is good too. I think the reason for me liking this movie is its simplicity, in the story, the way it is presented; in down to earth characters one someone can relate to easily. So if you like such movies then you might like this one. Watch it.
- imdbfriend
- Apr 14, 2008
- Permalink
A soviet movie about classes notwithstanding they don't officially exist (vhs)
This is a true old soviet movie from the late 70s and watching it, I'm happy to be born in the West: I'm sure there was good people, happy feelings and true joy over-there but it doesn't skip the fact the society was bleak, gloom and conservative: in a way, the movie is like official propaganda and straight to party line as the story depicted here is deeply moral: when the young woman changes her identity while living temporarily in this luscious apartment, she ends up a single mother. Years later, as she is hard working, the small worker has become the top director! As an usual Russian movie, we have a lot of meals, music and country trips. The actor are really convincing, the songs have this Slavic sad beauty and most of all, it was finally a time with care, values and good fashion: no harassing mobile phones, no jeans, no sneakers or sportswear, no tattoos, no t-shirt, well another world as much faraway as close
.
- leplatypus
- Sep 11, 2016
- Permalink
A wondrous Novella to inspire others
- Vivaelhotelplaza2005
- Oct 28, 2005
- Permalink
Cold Russian soap opera
Funny title for a Russian soap opera taking place from the 1950s to the 1970s. Three country girls who become friends while living in a dorm together. Katerina is a college student who works in a factory and she watches an apartment for wealthy relatives. She and Lyudmila pretend to be rich kids in order to meet well to do men. Katerina hooks up with Rudolf, a camera man at a TV station and she becomes pregnant by him. He denies paternity and she has a daughter she names Alexandra.
Twenty years later, Katerina is in charge of a factory and is still unmarried. She has a lover, an older man who has a wife.
Rudolf reappears with a news team to do a report on the factory but doesn't remember Katarina. He eventually meets his daughter Alexandra but nothing is resolved in this Soviet Peyton Place. The mood is cold and so are the characters, and running over two hours, I was not overly impressed with the Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears.
Twenty years later, Katerina is in charge of a factory and is still unmarried. She has a lover, an older man who has a wife.
Rudolf reappears with a news team to do a report on the factory but doesn't remember Katarina. He eventually meets his daughter Alexandra but nothing is resolved in this Soviet Peyton Place. The mood is cold and so are the characters, and running over two hours, I was not overly impressed with the Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears.
Too long, and not good
I asked the elderly Russians in my ESL class what Russian movie I must see, and they told me this one. Then I watched it, and figured it must be a Russian thing. Then I see all these 10/10 reviews. My God, how can anyone think this is a great movie? So much of it is tired, predictable, and cliched. Yes, the main character is appealing, and it's interesting in an anthropological sort of way, giving the viewer insight into mid-20th century USSR (if indeed it is an accurate reflection, and not mostly Communist propaganda). But the plot is all over the place, and much of the story line is hackneyed. And it is TOO long. Two-and-a-half hours!? What were they thinking?