I was prepared for a crime comedy, but not for one with this much madcap energy. 'The diamond arm' is an absolute delight.
This is very much a comedy of errors, enhanced with exaggerated characterizations, physical comedy, and wordplay. Focusing on a bumbling every-man protagonist, and criminals just as bumbling, nosy supporting characters round out the writing of a far-fetched scenario. Add in a couple songs to taste, performed by the actors, and what ensues is a wild farce.
Hand in hand with those songs, the frenetic original music of Aleksandr Zatsepin, upbeat and jaunty, is super and does much to add to the humor and general vigor of the film. Some scenes are edited to be sped up, a bit garishly imparting further merry energy. Even with that in mind, 'The diamond arm' is a fantastically well made movie. The image is sharp and clear, and its high production values don't truly betray its age. Filming locations and set design are wonderful, some with vivid color that's especially eye-catching.
The writing, direction, and production design work in concert to arrange phenomenal scenes. Many individual shots are fetching all on their own, but there is scarcely one moment in the picture that's not rife with detail and liveliness. Everything is carefully crafted to maximize the fun to be had. The cast demonstrate utmost skill in realizing their roles, especially Yuri Nikulin as hapless tourist Semyon Semyonovich Gorbunkov, and Andrei Mironov as Gorbunkov's "friend" and primary point of contact with the criminal syndicate, Gennady Kozodoev. They most of all - but certainly every actor present - embody their parts with great spirit and personality, doing their part to make this as funny and generally captivating as it is.
Subtitles in one's own language are important to understand some key aspects of the plot, and of the comedy. Yet 'The diamond arm' relies much less on dialogue than on its visual presentation and the ecstatic energy it carries, and thus is ever easier to enjoy no matter one's native tongue or point of reference. This is a magnificently entertaining movie, unexpectedly appropriate for all ages and easily enjoyed by a general audience. 'The diamond arm' is well worth seeking out, and I can't recommend it highly enough!
This is very much a comedy of errors, enhanced with exaggerated characterizations, physical comedy, and wordplay. Focusing on a bumbling every-man protagonist, and criminals just as bumbling, nosy supporting characters round out the writing of a far-fetched scenario. Add in a couple songs to taste, performed by the actors, and what ensues is a wild farce.
Hand in hand with those songs, the frenetic original music of Aleksandr Zatsepin, upbeat and jaunty, is super and does much to add to the humor and general vigor of the film. Some scenes are edited to be sped up, a bit garishly imparting further merry energy. Even with that in mind, 'The diamond arm' is a fantastically well made movie. The image is sharp and clear, and its high production values don't truly betray its age. Filming locations and set design are wonderful, some with vivid color that's especially eye-catching.
The writing, direction, and production design work in concert to arrange phenomenal scenes. Many individual shots are fetching all on their own, but there is scarcely one moment in the picture that's not rife with detail and liveliness. Everything is carefully crafted to maximize the fun to be had. The cast demonstrate utmost skill in realizing their roles, especially Yuri Nikulin as hapless tourist Semyon Semyonovich Gorbunkov, and Andrei Mironov as Gorbunkov's "friend" and primary point of contact with the criminal syndicate, Gennady Kozodoev. They most of all - but certainly every actor present - embody their parts with great spirit and personality, doing their part to make this as funny and generally captivating as it is.
Subtitles in one's own language are important to understand some key aspects of the plot, and of the comedy. Yet 'The diamond arm' relies much less on dialogue than on its visual presentation and the ecstatic energy it carries, and thus is ever easier to enjoy no matter one's native tongue or point of reference. This is a magnificently entertaining movie, unexpectedly appropriate for all ages and easily enjoyed by a general audience. 'The diamond arm' is well worth seeking out, and I can't recommend it highly enough!