Winter Night in Gagra (1985) User Reviews

Excellent film about tap dancing made by Russian director Karen Shaknazarov

[FilmCriticLalitRao · 10/10 · 26 August 2009]

There are not many people who know that Russia was famous for Jazz music in the past.Russian director Karen Shaknazarov has depicted the joys and sorrow of some Russian musicians in his film "Winter evening in Gagry".He showed that an alternative music system operated in erstwhile Russia which needed state's protection.His film is one of a kind film for all music fans as it will surely make you happy. This film features how happiness radiates on the faces of musicians.This is also a family film as it showcases a strained father-daughter relationship.We get to see that the best time for a father came ages ago when he danced with his 3 year old daughter in Gagry.Although "Zimniy Vecher V Gagrakh" is not at a political film yet Karen Shaknazarov depicts how talented music artists are ignored by communist television authorities.This happens as a renowned living artist is announced as a dead artist on national television. In "Zimniy Vecher V Gagrakh" there are a couple of good dances to see which feature great background music.It is through this film that we also get a glimpse of troubled relationship of Russian artists.