By the Bluest of Seas

This one is a little too rough around the edges for me. I saw a relatively bad version of it audio-wise and the subtitles were slightly out of synch but not enough to make it unwatchable, so that could be impacting my views, but while it's interesting for the period (far less propaganda than other Russian films I've seen from this time period). Not terrible or anything, but I didn't really see anything special about it, and the comedy doesn't work for me.

Atypically for Russian cinema, this is a fun, joyous film contained in a concise and perfectly-paced 70 minutes. Of particular note is Barnet's seascape photography; with some of his shots being the prettiest I've seen of any film from the 1930's. Barnet certainly has a unique directorial style, and I'd recommend checking his work, especially this, what's probably his best film.

Star Rating: ★★★★★

Besides being a bit of a vehicle for communist propaganda, this film feels like a bit like a long lost ancestor of "Jules et Jim". Two men, without much personality or concrete background, fall for a vivacious but only moderately charming woman. On land, on sea, they love her dearly, but with a modern reading you feel like the two seamen would be better off shacking up together. This uneven story would have been more appealing as a full-on musical, as those are the best bits.

the sound in this early sound film is elementary, if not just simply inept, and it's all really quite slight, but with simple themes to match it's also rather cute and relaxing, with comrades of the commune singing their songs and all that.

There is definitely a very European feel to this Soviet movie, but I got to admit I don't really feel the love for it that others do. But it's a sweet little movie from one of Soviet's least Communistic director - Boris Barnet. 2 sailors and 1 girl. Bound to cause tension. And it does. But only minor conflicts with the bond friendships and singing to mellow the mood. So deep down it's all about the good vibes of living. And it has a happy Russian ending too as nobody dies!

#925

If Happiness was a novelty as a Soviet comedy, then what do you make of a romantic comedy? With a few brief musical interludes, no less! This unusual little flick follows the adventures of two strapping young men in love with the same girl, who also happens to be the leader of their Communist island collective. There's nothing really great here and not much to comment on, but it's a very pleasant film with a few neat tricks, likeable actors, and propaganda that doesn't feel too blunt.

Endearing little love triangle with a mix of music, laughs and pretty photography. The sound/silent mix is kind of hard for me to fully appreciate and it felt a little fluffy, but I enjoyed it.

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