This is one of my favorite films. Every time I see it, it touches me deeply and I can't get it out of my mind for a day or two. It helps me put my life into perspective and revisit the basic assumptions by which I live. Since the plot has been summarized by many other reviewers, I'll just share my own perception of the film.
While there is an important political and historic component to it, the movie is, in my opinion, about relationships: love and fatherhood. Despite the sadness, the story is inspiring in a way, as it reminds the viewer of the power (in this case - destructive) of the true love. It would make you cherish the love that you are lucky to have, or will make you want to seek one.
The film also shows the role that a father plays in a boy's life, in becoming a man, and the faithfulness and commitment that are the platform of such relationship. Again, the tragedy of the fake, non-committed fatherhood helps put things into perspective for the rest of us.
I disagree with other reviewers that seem to think that this is a film primarily about Stalinist Russia. When you see a story that introduces you to a new, unfamiliar environment, you tend to pay attention more to the environment than to the story. If "Romeo and Juliette" was filmed on Mars, you'd keep staring at the Martian landscapes instead of the actors. Keep in mind that this movie was intended primarily for consumption by Russians, who are generally aware of how their country looked back then. By focusing purely on the landscape (toasts to Stalin, communal apartments, ruined post-war country) you'll miss the play.
While there is an important political and historic component to it, the movie is, in my opinion, about relationships: love and fatherhood. Despite the sadness, the story is inspiring in a way, as it reminds the viewer of the power (in this case - destructive) of the true love. It would make you cherish the love that you are lucky to have, or will make you want to seek one.
The film also shows the role that a father plays in a boy's life, in becoming a man, and the faithfulness and commitment that are the platform of such relationship. Again, the tragedy of the fake, non-committed fatherhood helps put things into perspective for the rest of us.
I disagree with other reviewers that seem to think that this is a film primarily about Stalinist Russia. When you see a story that introduces you to a new, unfamiliar environment, you tend to pay attention more to the environment than to the story. If "Romeo and Juliette" was filmed on Mars, you'd keep staring at the Martian landscapes instead of the actors. Keep in mind that this movie was intended primarily for consumption by Russians, who are generally aware of how their country looked back then. By focusing purely on the landscape (toasts to Stalin, communal apartments, ruined post-war country) you'll miss the play.