I am really surprised with the previous comment. My personal point of view - this is really sad movie under the cover of comedy. I think Caliostro is one of the best character which I have ever seen. You know, almost all Soviet movies and cartoons consist of several layers and you can re watch them hundred of times and every time figure out something new. Mark Zakharov is a brilliant director and all his movies have a little absurd screenplay and magnificent sense. About the cast: every actor is genius by his/her self and great altogether. Just take a look at Bronevoy, Pelttser, Farada. Besides, I don't know any other movie which gave such amount of memorable quotes.
8 Reviews
Illusionist stooge on tour to Russia...
levelclearer2 January 2017
I think it's a movie about Russia. An Italian illusionist and stooge fooling well-to-do people with occult and magic like illusionist tricks, perhaps a copy of modern Copperfield, but with emphasis on occult, spiritualism, however presented as secret knowledge, and finally a businessman, comes on tour to Russia, where he hopes to find lots of rich monkeys who are ready to give their brilliants and money to the mystical stooge, who offers his magic for solving their problems. Has he succeeded ? Watch the movie. The Love formula opens in very simple, everyday things, so trivial as "greatest magician of all times" going in bed with flu and is watched by the village doctor who doesn't give a care about all his "magical" bluff, and softly mocks the "magical" show off, while the police is already on his heels.
A masterpiece
sunlion28 February 2004
This one of the films which can be used as a test for ones intelligence. It calls for an ability to understand subtle multilayered humor, hints, double-meanings and symbolisms. It`s rating speaks for itself. Where else can you see such a mixture of humor and philosophy. First the phrase brings the laughter, but leaves you thinking further and further.
Everything is so full of talent, wit and kind wisdom, that it grabs you even if you watch it for hundred times. This is a quality of real art.
The script is written by Gorin, who is da Vinci of satirical humor, most of the text has already embedded itself into a former Soviet country modern day folklore.
Everything is so full of talent, wit and kind wisdom, that it grabs you even if you watch it for hundred times. This is a quality of real art.
The script is written by Gorin, who is da Vinci of satirical humor, most of the text has already embedded itself into a former Soviet country modern day folklore.
Absolutely brilliant and provocative. IT IS NOT FOR SIMPLE MINDED!
vlahov7 November 2005
This movie definitely deserves 10/10. A brilliant piece of pure art. This is an outstanding example of how real movies are being made, especially the low budget ones. I can understand totally the above-mentioned reviewer for not understanding the beauty of it. I am sorry to say but this movie is not for simpleminded rednecks around /if any/. I highly doubt if any viewer not with Russian roots can understand the high satire of Alexey Tolstoi *for simpleminded also - this is NOT Lev Nikolayevich who wrote WAR AND PEACE, he is SF (mostly) author!* This is undoubtedly one of the best in its genre and it is definitely worth looking. I had the tremendous pleasure of buying this gem on DVD in Moscow and have watched it several times since. Greatly recommended!
Simply the best
caterinka14 January 2002
The movie brings up a pile of questions, managing to speak about love, purpose of life, change of beliefs - all at the same time, in one piece! It is a gear mixture of romance and humor! I absolutely love it and never get tired watching it!
Excellent grotesque movie!
vmarkov23 August 2003
Wonderful script! Story about Count di Cagliostro - surrounded by extravagant assistants (con artists), coming to Russia. Got himself into trouble, within short period of time, he had to run away from law enforcement troops. On his way from St. Petersburg to Europe Cagliostro with his cortege, manages to break his carriage, and stuck in the middle of the Russia for unknown period of time...
Good but not the best
rouzanna5 January 2004
Mark Zakharov being my favourite director, I would say this is not one of his best movies. And maybe this is just because I don't like the plot (you know, all of that Caliostro things), because the cast and the quality of acting is impressive. Also, there are a number of funny statements in the movie, and a bit of romance. Overall, you could watch this one if you need another Sunday-style-mild-comedy. But I would rather recommend Tot Samiy Munchgausen, which is by far the best of Zakharov's movies. Still 6.5 out of 10.
I've got tired of this comedy
Tootoos19 March 2003
I saw it first time when I was about 11? so by this time I've seen it about ten times. This film really irritates me with its endless optimism. The song which heroes of A. Abdulov and S. Farada sing about 7 times during the film simply kills me. The others actors are mostly wooden and not impressing. If you want to see a really good comedy from Mark Zakharov, watch "12 chairs" (TV-series).
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