Obyknovennoe chudo

Having been on a roll with Soviet movies and really liking/loving what I'm seeing, An Ordinary Miracle was a very beautifully done film, though I do just prefer the 1978 film with the same name. It clearly looks as though it was made with a lot of love, while the 1978 film was a little better-made the settings are gorgeous to look at, making me wish I was there in that world, the photography likewise. The music is sympathetically used and is elegant in how simple it is. Don't let the fact that it's in Russian put you off, while you won't understand what's been said if you don't speak or know a word from the acting and how lines are delivered you do get the basic gist, which is a good starting point. The acting is a little theatrical, like with the King, but still endearing with the two leads and the Princess. It is also very easy to identify with the bear. The story, with a appropriately quiet and soulful nature to it, has good philosophy and is beautifully romantic and magical. It is long and takes its time, but because it is such a lovely story with hugely engaging characters that you feel a great deal of emotion for(the outcome of the romance is quite heart-breaking, at least to me) it is also hugely rewarding. Overall, a very beautifully done film, if you love it check out the film from 1978 which is in my view even better. 10/10 Bethany Cox