(Moscow does not trust tears) — is one of the few Russian movies to win an Oscar for best foreign film. The flick, which was produced in 1979 by Vladimir Menshov and stars his wife Vera Alentova in a leading role, tells the story of a suburban girl who becomes a successful Soviet factory boss.
Operatsia I drugie priklucheniya Shurika
(Operation Y and Shurik’s other adventures) — If such a term as box office existed in 1965 in the Soviet Union then this movie would have been a top hit for at least a quarter of a century. Brilliant cast and jokes brought enormous amount of people into the theatres.
Ironiya sudby ili s legkim parom
(The Irony of Fate) — Every year, on New Year’s eve the entire country takes a break from making salads and gathers in front of the TV-set to enjoy this traditional Soviet comedy. This Russian equivalent of “It’s a Wonderful Life” involves the hero getting ridiculously drunk with friends at a banya - and the plot spirals from there.
Dobro pozhalovat ili postoronnim vkhod zapreshen
(Welcome, or strangers cannot enter) — This absolutely phenomenal black and white creation about life in a pioneer camp hit the big screen in 1964. This movie offers a realistic impression of what Soviet camps were like and how the kids of that generation really lived.
Brilliantovaya ruka
(Diamond hand) — What is probably the most famous movie made during the Soviet era earned the adoration of millions based on the charming screen presence of Andrei Mironov, an idol of that epoch. References and jokes from the film are still used and considered part of Russian cultural literacy.
Devchata
(The girls) — This classic Soviet black and white film was made in 1961 and for almost half a century remained on the play-list of all major TV stations. It is the romantic love story of a young girl Tosya and her beau Ilya, the best wood-cutter in the glade. The story is full of touching details and features great actors.
Pokrovskiye vorota
(Pokrovskiye gates) — A group of great actors gathered on screen for this two-part movie addressing Soviet reality. In addition to its insightful look at old Moscow and several comedic scenes, it deserves mention because of Oleg Menshikov, whose break-through role in this film earned him distinction as one of Russia’s leading actors.
