I stayed once late to watch this film on TV. I've never seen anything by Mihalkov and I didn't know what to expect, but I am only glad that I saw Five Evenings. It's a thorough study of a two characters and how they respond to the conditions they live in. They eventually fall in love but after a lot of doubt, uncertainty and lack of feelings. They want to live a happier life, but are not sure how to achieve it. In a broad sense I thought it aimed at presenting the state of the Russian people(and of any other people for that matter) after the Second World War. Mihalkov made me experience the discouragement and the loss of faith in good that these people felt. I have to note that the actors were simply flawless and it was through their acting that the film was able to breathe and fascinate. And the ending was simply beautiful. Most of the film was black and white, but in the last few minutes, we see wonderful colour details from inside an apartment, as if the whole film, together with the characters overcame the alienation and lack of feeling. Very much recommended! I can't wait to see something else by Mihalkov.
Review of Five Evenings
