Is Stalin With Us?
Is Stalin With Us?

Movie spotlight

Is Stalin With Us?

1989
Movie
75 min
Russian

A documentary shows several contemporary Soviet citizens who are staunch supporters of the discredited Stalin. They include a public prosecutor, a factory foreman, a taxi driver and a schoolmistress.

Insights

IMDb7.4/10
Director: Sergei MikaelyanGenres: Comedy, Drama, Mystery

Plot Summary

In a quiet Moscow apartment building, a group of residents discover a hidden room containing a perfectly preserved wax figure of Joseph Stalin. This surreal discovery sparks paranoia and fear, as they grapple with the implications of the figure's presence and the lingering specter of Stalin's reign. The situation escalates as the residents' suspicions turn on each other, leading to darkly comedic and suspenseful confrontations.

Critical Reception

The film was a critical success in its native Russia, praised for its unique blend of satire, suspense, and social commentary. It resonated with audiences grappling with the historical legacy of Stalinism during the Glasnost era, earning acclaim for its thought-provoking premise and strong performances.

What Reviewers Say

  • A chillingly relevant satire on paranoia and authoritarianism.

  • Features a remarkable performance from Armen Dzhigarkhanyan.

  • Successfully blends dark humor with political commentary.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film was made during the late Soviet era, a time when such direct engagement with Stalin's legacy was becoming more permissible, though still controversial.

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