Watched this last night and loved it so much, I am actually watching the whole thing all over again tonight! (Something I never do.)
What can I add to what others have said? It is a marvelous mix of drama, action, and wit that often makes me laugh out loud. The characters are unforgettable, the landscapes beautiful, cinematography is great, even the music is enchanting. (I later found out that the composer is the same man who did the music for one of my other Russian favorites, "Dersu Uzala.")
There's an additional "special sonething" about this movie that has made it a sort of cult favorite in Russia these past 50 years. Some intangible, magical x factor that's hard to put into words. All the best, most beloved classic movies have it. The interview with screenwriter Valentin Ezhov that was included as a bonus feature on the DVD, in which Ezhov told the story of how the movie came to be, kind of explained, at least for me, how some of that magic got into it.
But you just have to see it. Full disclosure: My favorite American "Western" of all time (I've lost count of how many times I've watched it) is "The Outlaw Josey Wales." The sensibility of this Soviet "Eastern," even set as it is in such a different culture, in such a different time, nevertheless reminds me enough of the feel of that Clint Eastwood classic that if you are a fan of Josey Wales, I can just about guarantee you will like "White Sun of the Desert."
There's an additional "special sonething" about this movie that has made it a sort of cult favorite in Russia these past 50 years. Some intangible, magical x factor that's hard to put into words. All the best, most beloved classic movies have it. The interview with screenwriter Valentin Ezhov that was included as a bonus feature on the DVD, in which Ezhov told the story of how the movie came to be, kind of explained, at least for me, how some of that magic got into it.
But you just have to see it. Full disclosure: My favorite American "Western" of all time (I've lost count of how many times I've watched it) is "The Outlaw Josey Wales." The sensibility of this Soviet "Eastern," even set as it is in such a different culture, in such a different time, nevertheless reminds me enough of the feel of that Clint Eastwood classic that if you are a fan of Josey Wales, I can just about guarantee you will like "White Sun of the Desert."