Iosif Kheifits and Lenfilm did an excellent job filming this adaptation of Anton Chekhov's timeless novella. To start with an intangible, this film does what very few adaptations really do, and seems really to capture the feel of the original story of unachievable love -- and to be as ethereally moving.
It does it, at least in part, with honesty, simplicity, and great are and attention to detail (in everything from the composition of even the briefest shots, to the old pre-Revolutionary Russian spelling on every visible sign).
That simplicity might be its greatest asset, as the story is allowed to take its time to develop, atmosphere and the communication of the characters's emotions taking precedence over a complicated plot or busy action.
Both lead actors deserve a lot of commendation, especially Aleksey Batalov, with just the right amount of expressiveness behind his reserve, and exuding a melancholy and desire that perfectly match the tenor of the piece. In all, with its delicate recreation of Chekhov's tone, rich simplicity, and resistance to the temptation to add beyond its material, I have to think of it as one of the best adaptations I have seen.
It does it, at least in part, with honesty, simplicity, and great are and attention to detail (in everything from the composition of even the briefest shots, to the old pre-Revolutionary Russian spelling on every visible sign).
That simplicity might be its greatest asset, as the story is allowed to take its time to develop, atmosphere and the communication of the characters's emotions taking precedence over a complicated plot or busy action.
Both lead actors deserve a lot of commendation, especially Aleksey Batalov, with just the right amount of expressiveness behind his reserve, and exuding a melancholy and desire that perfectly match the tenor of the piece. In all, with its delicate recreation of Chekhov's tone, rich simplicity, and resistance to the temptation to add beyond its material, I have to think of it as one of the best adaptations I have seen.