It is funny that my favourite Ryazanov's film is one of the lest popular in Russia. Unlike other films of the director, it runs seldom in television, and never in prime time. But I like it very much, because it is very well done, and it is ....true. The characters are depicted in a very realistic and human way. Their mistakes are pointed at without pity, sincerely, especially the mistakes and the cowardice of the man. Moreover, we can see a constant comparison between what he thinks and should be, and what he is and does in reality. At this purpose the director shows us flashes of his imagination, when he imagines what he would like to do in that moment, which sometimes would be really right. He would like, he should, he wants, but he is weak and unable to do it. Then, Ryazanov shows us what he really does, as a coward, or as a hypocrite.
The man, following his passion, very soon finds himself with two women, a situation with no way out. At that stage, there can only be much sorrow for everybody. The two women are all in all the victims of his incapacity to live, to choose, to be faithful, sincere, and coherent. His wife is a good woman who loves him, and does not deserve in any way to be abandoned. His sweetheart has the only guilt of giving in to the insistence of a man who is not able to dominate his passions.
I find very good the visions of the afterlife he has in his coma. The Soviet materialism has already melted away in the years of perestroika.
Of course, the movie is well acted and directed, and has a good pace. There is also room for some humour, but very subtle, the way I like it.
If you like movies about feelings, right and wrong, and personal responsibility, and about how much sorrow can cause someone who lets himself be led by the passion of a moment, well, you will certainly like it. Maybe it is not loved by the big audience because it is too frank and true, and many people do not like to see the bad side of themselves in a movie.
