KHOCHU, CHTOB ON PRISHEL (1981)
Director: Eduard Gavrilov
Cinematographer: Boris Seredin
A charming little Russian film seemingly presenting the lives and loves of a community residing within an urban block of flats. The narrative mainly focusses on two boys, one a brooding tween, the other a bright-eyed toddler. The two boys become friends, with the latter accompanying his older chum to visit his sick mother in hospital. On the way, they encounter various oddballs and eccentrics and acrobats.
As one does.
The tween boy also pines after a girl in the apartment building, who returns the smitten-boy’s longing glances. The toddler himself manages to score with a random blonde girl playing hopscotch, whom the two boys encounter on their journey.
Nice one, lad.
While the story does not require flashy visuals, the film looks just beautiful, feeling like something made 30 years earlier. There’s a classic grain and heightened colours to the patina, although that may have something to do with my failing eyesight.
The above shot comes during a scene which, grim thanks to certain real-life tragedies, would feel rather creepy today. The tween boy takes the toddler down into a darkened basement, which contains a treasure trove of abandoned junk from previous tenants in the building. I think. That’s the vibe I got from it anyway, as I chose not to have the film translated for me by YouTube.
In general, the whole thing is a very sweet affair that won’t take up much of your time, with a lazy, rambling pace that I approve of very much.
You can find it here.
I’m still rather unwell in my own world, but attempting to post as and when I’m able. I’ve got a few posts planned, including a marathon or two, so you have those to look forward to. I alternate between getting better and worse, so I’m taking each day as it comes.
Cute foreign family films, such as this one, are keeping me company through it all and buoying my spirits greatly.
Do stay in touch, darlings.
Toodles!
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