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Drug (1988)
One of the best movies of the later Soviet era
A rather inconspicuous movie for the Soviet cinema, but an indicative border between two eras of the USSR.
The movie is about a drunkard and his talking dog. The magical dog tries his best to set the owner on the right path of self-betterment.
This film is completely straightforward, simple in every dialogue between an alcoholic and a dog, in their every movement, in every frame. Even shots that show the seasons passing by. This is how time passes for the protagonist, who lives without a reason, only drinks to forget himself.
The viewer's opinion on the protagonist gradually changes from one act to another, from anger to pity. The introduction of a dog into the plot of such an aimless existence completely removed social aspects and discussions about the weakness of character. He got rid of unnecessary drama, pathos and sermons, focusing on the semantic part and on the friendship between a man and an animal. In such a disposition no metaphors are needed; rethinking can occur directly through the demonstration of the subconscious.
And even though the ending of such a story is filled with tragedy, there is still hope for a successful outcome, since friendship has the necessary functionality of revenue and salvation. Friendships have always been the bridge between comedy and tragedy. In this simpleSoviet magical realism, they evoke in the viewer the most important and broadest emotions.