The Very Same Munchhausen (1980 TV Movie) User Reviews

A new twist on an old story

[ollaer · 9/10 · 25 October 2007]

The film is based on a brilliant screenplay by G. Gorin.

It uses an all-star cast of some of the best Soviet theater actors, so it borrows a lot (in a good way) from a theatrical performance, while still remaining a "movie".

The film succeeded in creatng a witty, powerful, sentimental yet funny story of a very uneven battle between color and dullness, between personal freedom, especially freedom of mind, and constricting pressure of conformist society that tries to destroy anybody who refuses to be just like everybody else.

I gave it 9 points.

Gorin's script carries this one

[grendel-28 · 8/10 · 9 April 1999]

The script for the movie (available as a book, BTW) is absolutely superb - all punch lines without a filler. The movie thus is liable to become a vehicle for just delivering the brilliant text with minimum of acting and that it essentially became. Still utterly enjoyable this movie does not have much in a way of acting despite a star-N-stud cast and M. Zakharov as a director.

a masterpiece!

[baikal · 10/10 · 6 February 1999]

What can I say? This is one of the greatest movies of all times and a real jewel of the Russian cinema. It is such a great pity that this film has never really made it to the West and is totally unknown outside Russia.

The cast is superb and the acting is absolutely fantastic. You can feel a very strong influence of the Russian theatrical tradition here. Yankovsky as Munghausen gives the best performance of his career.

This movie is incredibly warm, romantic, optimistic and, of course, very very funny. Its humour is hilarious and yet very elegant and tasteful. If you don't know any Russian, just ask somebody to translate some of the jokes to you. My favorite funny scene is Mughausen's speech at the divorce hearing. "Some couples are created for love but we were created for divorce.."

"Tot samyi Munghausen" is an absolutely wonderful and fairy-tale romantic comedy, extremely enjoyable, something like a mix of "The Princess Bride" and "Four weddings and a funeral" only much better.

And yet, the film has a serious and a profound message underneath. It will make you think about intellectual honesty, being true to yourself, the real meaning of love, friendship and laughter in our lives. Watch this movie and you are guaranteed to fall in love with it.

a brilliant piece of cinema

[rouzanna · 10/10 · 5 January 2004]

Most of the time it would be difficult for one to describe one's favourite piece of anything: favourite movie, book, composer or even dish. It is normally the same for me, however, when it comes to movies I always answer "Tot samiy Munchgausen" is my all time favourite. You could hardly find another movie full of such an amazing combination of perfectly matched ingredients, ie. humour, romantics, superb screenplay, incredible cast with the best Russian actors involved and, of course, the best (in my opinion) Russian director Mark Zakharov who brought these all to be a masterpiece. The movie makes you laugh and think all at the same time. Every word, phrase and scene are full of such deep meaning that makes you watch this movie over and over again. I don't know if the movie was ever translated into English, or French, but I would so much like all people could see this. This one just gets 10 of 10.

A Russian masterpiece, one of the best

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 18 August 2013]

Brilliant film in every way, every bit as great as Ordinary Miracle(also from Mark Zakharov) and perhaps even better. The costumes and sets are sumptuous and with a real Russian traditional feeling, somewhat like the quirky fairy-tale kind. The way The Very Same Munchhausen is shot is very appealingly done too, never too stage-bound or jerky. The music is beautiful too and very catchy, upbeat rhythmically sometimes but in a distinctive Russian style. The dialogue is extremely funny and witty coming from quite possibly one of the greatest scripts ever for a Russian film, even if you don't understand the language you can have somebody translate or try and find subtitles, that way you can see how funny and quotable it is. This is coming from somebody who isn't Russian but is studying it as part of her vocal and operatic studies course at university. The facial expressions of the actors, gestures and some of the antics of the main characters are though enough to give you a gist of what's going on. The story is always involving and filled with charm and hilarious antics. Underneath the immense fun you have watching The Very Same Munchhausen, there is also room for some seriousness in the messaging and it is done in a moving, heartfelt yet also uplifting way and not heavy-handed. The characters are very likable and engaging, and the acting shows all the actors giving their all. In particular Oleg Yankovsky who gives the performance of a life-time, he seems to be having a whale of a time but doesn't forget to bring some depth to the character. In regard to availability for The Very Same Munchhausen, the Ruslania website is a good bet(it's unavailable from Amazon at the moment), but oddly enough you can find the whole film on Youtube, providing it stays up, but titled with the Russian phonetic alphabet symbols and letters, Wikipedia can help as computer keyboards don't seem to have a lot of the symbols. In conclusion, a Russian masterpiece and one of the best Russian films ever seen by this viewer. If you can find the film, enjoy! 10/10 Bethany Cox

A truly great comedy

[tomteboda · 10/10 · 11 August 2006]

This movie was one of the most hilarious satires of human foibles I've seen. Munchausen is an incredulous character, performing great feats and claiming to perform even greater ones. Time and again, something absurd rolls of his tongue and everyone (in the movie and audience alike) want to laugh at him.. yet somehow he pulls it off; until nobody believes in him. There is an excellent point made that miracles require faith, and faith is dead.

Despite the great philosophical value, this movie is just downright entertaining. Witty, gregarious, and full of joie-de-vivre, the movie cannot help but uplift your spirits and leave you with a smile.

Ordinary Miracle

[MT-15087 · 31 January 2015]

Although not too many people outside the land that produced this picture have even heard of it, it may be one of the best TV movies ever made, plain and simple. And, probably, the best one delivered by the great tandem of Russian film-makers Grigori Gorin (writing) and Mark Zakharov (directing) – with "The House That Swift Built" being the close second.

The script is nothing less than brilliant. The general concept is original enough as we happen to be presented not with fairly funny narratives invented by the legendary Baron Munchausen, but rather with the fairly dramatic story of the Baron himself. Which is complemented by an interesting take on the title character that turns him from a nobleman and famous raconteur into a noble dissenter and romantic rebel. But the development and dialogue still bring it to another level. The latter is virtually entirely comprised of quotable witticisms. And the whole construction explores serious problems like freedom and conformity, personal happiness and personal integrity, the hypocrisy of a society and the way it tends to treat those who choose to challenge its norms and confines. Since it's a TV movie featuring a cast of superb stage performers, the realization is overtly theatrical. But it is so in the best way possible.

Given that, as far as the dialogue is concerned, all phrases and inflections matter, an excellent translation is of the essence here. But if you manage to get one you won't regret a bit of your effort while enjoying every minute of this piece. This movie is very clever and funny but also filled with some wonderfully moving poetry. So it's likely to make you both cry with laughter and smile through the tears.

Tot samyy film

[AndreiPavlov · 10/10 · 10 April 2006]

When one reads something about the movie or sees the title, the first reaction can be: "Why should they mess it all up with a classic hero, couldn't they invent anything new and use a new character for adventures? Isn't it plagiary?" Well, see the movie first and you'll probably change your first negative opinion.

The film is a very charming satire. Satire on our society and on people's relations. It has great soundtrack and very intricate scenery. Any child has the right to watch it (absolutely no adult-oriented scenes) and suppose any child will adore it.

A very solid Russian cinema product of the highest quality with lots of witty sayings and ridiculous happenings which often take a dramatic or even a tragic turn.

10 out of 10. Thanks for attention.

The Greatest Film of All Time

[petja2 · 10/10 · 14 September 2010]

If you are truly human, this is a film for you.

Multifaceted, humorous and tragic at the same time, full of wit, sarcasm, love, devotion, and reflections on life and the world as a whole, for me personally, this is the best film ever made, and I don't say this lightly.

Every aspect of this film is a masterpiece. Actor performances are superb, with Oleg Yankovsky playing perhaps the best role of his life here. The soundtrack is beautiful and touching. The dialogue is funny yet very deep at the same time. The film leaves you with a whirlwind of feelings, and leaves tremendous amounts of food for thought for months afterward.

...And if you start watching it, and feel that it's boring or not very funny - just leave it, and never look back. It's probably not your kind of film, then.

Side splitting comedy the likes of which is long gone from this world

[porcupinewebb · 10/10 · 27 July 2006]

Do not confuse this with the dreadful eighties version from Hollywood. They both contain a central character called Baron Von Munchaussen and that is it!

Oleg Yankovsky gives his funniest performance ever as the title character who refuses to give to give up his own beliefs even though it would get him the thing he most desires in this world. (no more for fear of spoilers) I can not remember which film or book, but someone once said that 'a mans honour is his gift to himself.' and that is what this film is about if you are looking for a meaning,.......But that does not matter! If you are American and did not get the humour of Monty Python I am afraid this is also going to go whoosh, straight over your head too. Sorry if that offends, you probably do not think the Hitch Hickers Guide to the Galaxy was a particularly funny book either. The jokes and innuendo just fly non-stop from all the players. By far the best of the Mark Zakharov films.

I would have given in so that I could marry Marta!

What can i say? The greatest Russian film of all time.

[zemba7-817-69080 · 10/10 · 7 May 2014]

This is the greatest Russian film of all time and the late, great Oleg Yankovsky gives a performance for the ages. Yankovsky is given probably the hardest task an actor has ever been given, to make the Baron a believable human and a man who always tells the truth. If you don't believe him the film fails miserably. As he says, "Baron Munchausen is famous not for flying to the moon but for never telling a lie." And you do believe him and root for him to overcome all obstacles and settle down with his beloved Marta. The ending is one of the greatest in all Russian film as the Baron goes on to immortality.

Photography is spectacular as are the sets and this film is the only one that has a song sung by a 15 1/2' woman! And the Baron's theme is unforgettable.

If you only see one Russian film, see this or An Ordinary Miracle, both with Yankovsky and both directed by Mark Zakharov.

A superb masterpiece

[AlexK1978 · 10/10 · 30 April 2007]

This film is the crown of all soviet films. I recommend this film to anyone who wants to receive top-quality entertainment. All of the actors in this film are excellently chosen and fit into their roles perfectly. This film will have you laughing in some places and brushing tears from your eyes in others. The music alone is enough to captivate your attention. To fully understand this masterpiece, you must pay attention to the slightest movement, to every word. This is a very moving film that deserves no criticisicm and should be treated with respect. No matter how many times you watch this film, you won't grow tired of it. Simply superb. 15/10

post-thinking

[yulenko · 10/10 · 3 February 2003]

What are true values? Can you be true to your principles under any circumstances? Are there romantics in this world yet? A bit crazy and totally free people? Few of those questions you'll ask yourself, on having watched it. Or without any questions just enjoy this masterpiece of Zakharov "the Great" :)

very powerful film

[mchesn · 10/10 · 16 December 2003]

Remembering that this movie was made in Soviet Union during the times, when you could still get to prison because of a joke, you naturally start wondering if the freedom of speech actually brought us something or robbed us of a real "finesse" of expression and metaphore. This is a powerful and corageous tale of a peculiar man in hypocritical society, that will not leave anyone unmoved. Even though the acting might appear static sometimes, Jankovsky is at his best in the main role and will save a hurried Western spectator the pain of sitting through the example of typical union of theatre and cinema in Russian style, and make it watchable not only for "european and rare" movie fricks. It also has a merit of being sort of a cult movie, and a good introduction to the culture that it presents indirectly, reflecting at the same time the ever-lasting russian struggle of saying things, so as to stay balancing on the edge, that will permit you to be understood by intelligent people, and still ignored by a watchful big brother(liable to tear you apart) and the fascination and identification with European history and culture - forbidden fruit at those times still.

Think.

[Irka · 10/10 · 25 August 1999]

What is true? Reality? Imagination? Do we make choices in life to be like everyone else? Is it Worth it?

Dreamer against society or Smile, gentlemen! Smile!

[lyubitelfilmov · 10/10 · 13 August 2020]

Phantasmagoria. A free film adaptation of the stories of Rudolf Erich Raspe about the adventures of the notorious Baron Munchausen, staged by the talented Soviet director Mark Zakharov and based on a script by the equally talented Soviet writer and playwright Grigory Gorin. In general, we can say about this picture - a real masterpiece. On this, in principle, you can end the review, but since I am not so used to giving up everything halfway, then let me convey to you my brief opinion - a dreamer against society. In the picture, you will not find a single minus, no matter how hard you try (I tried it myself, but nothing came of it), so I will focus your attention on the expressive advantages of this phantasmagoria. So, here they are: 1. The story told - the picture tells the story of Baron Munchausen, who summons a pastor from distant lands in order to marry his beloved, but one small circumstance prevents him - he has been married for a long time, but his wife ran away from him some time ago. All this gives rise to incredible adventures, as a result of which literally all the inhabitants of the city find themselves involved, against their will. The script only superficially goes through the famous adventures of the baron, but the main concept of this picture is the opposition of the enthusiastic and charming baron with his incredible stories and society, which, frankly, has not changed much over the past few centuries. Society makes fun of the hero, but it is only for him to enjoy. Gorin, through Munchausen, laughs at the stiffness of society with its conservative order and shows it through the prism of a baron who never lies, although it is very difficult to believe in it. Well, the final monologue of the baron - this is the main idea that the screenwriter tried to convey - and how wise and great it is in its simplicity. This is a very clever picture to be watched thoughtfully. Only in this way will its splendor be revealed. 2. Dialogues - they are full of humor, sometimes harsh words (within the bounds of decency), ordinary worldly wisdom and, most importantly, sincerity. For this, we must thank again Grigory Gorin, and of course the actors, whose gagging only adorned this picture. 3. Music - the main melody (Stairway to Heaven) is known to every inhabitant of the former Soviet Union, and to the new generation as well. Composer Alexei Rybnikov has created brilliant music that has been living separately from the picture for how many years, and in the picture emphasizes important moments and gives dynamics to the events. But "Stairway to Heaven" is full of tragedy, hope, confidence and faith in all the brightest and best on this sinful Earth! 4. Wonderful cast - from its listing, real connoisseurs of cinema will salivate and so that you stay with yours, I will list just a few names: Leonid Bronevoy as the duke, Semyon Farada as the commander-in-chief, Leonid Yarmolnik as Theophilus Munchausen, Vladimir Dolinsky as a pastor, Inna Churikova as the baron's wife, Grigory Gorin himself starred in a small role. I hope no one doubts the talent of these legendary actors? Nice! A little about the main character 1. Baron Munchausen performed by Oleg Yankovsky is an extraordinary inventor who is considered crazy by everyone around him. Suffers greatly from ridicule, but tries not to show it. A tragicomic hero, whom you do not immediately understand, but after - you are completely on his side, despite all the obstacles. The ingenious Oleg Ivanovich masterfully embodied the image of the legendary baron, adding his own touch, of course. His baron turned out to be very memorable and in some way even overshadowed the literary source, may the book baron's fans forgive me. Bravo Oleg Ivanovich! 2. Marta performed by Elena Koreneva is the baron's beloved, who extols him, but at a crucial moment - to take the side of society, betraying the baron's ideals. And although this decision is not easy for her (this is evident from her emotions), the viewer understands her motivation and, in part, even pity her. Elena did an excellent job of the role. 3. The burgomaster performed by Igor Kvasha is the head of the city and a friend of the baron, who more than once saves him from too radical antics, although this does not always help. Along with the baron - my favorite heroes of this picture. His soul is tormented by pangs of conscience on the one hand, and on the other hand, by the duty and morality of society. Igor Vladimirovich brilliantly performed this role! There is a "spark" between the actors. They don't play for the camera - they live by their heroes. Boring people will point out bad scenery and a wobbly picture without looking inside the picture, without trying to understand it. I sincerely sympathize with them. Smile, gentlemen! Smile! As a result, we have a masterpiece phantasmagoria about Baron Munchausen, with an excellent story and deep thought, great music and dialogues and amazing acting!