Movie spotlight
Pieviltie
After becoming a teacher, Janis Lazdan returns to his native village in Latgale. In Novie Gudani, he sees black cassocks everywhere. Nuns sit at the bedside of his sick mother. The girl he loves, Lienite, is dressed in the black habit of a novice. Anton, Janis' childhood friend, has become a priest. A struggle begins between Janis and Anton, a subtle psychologist, over Andris, a sickly boy who is extremely impressionable and gifted. Janis understands that the power of the church lies in the indifference of non-believers. He believes in his own strength and love for his loved ones.
Insights
Plot Summary
This short comedy follows the misadventures of three bumbling individuals who attempt to steal a local kolkhoz's harvest. Their elaborate plans are hilariously thwarted by their own incompetence and the intervention of a watchful collective farmer.
Critical Reception
As a short comedic film from the Soviet era, 'Pieviltie' was primarily enjoyed for its slapstick humor and the memorable comedic performances of its leads. It's often cited as an early example of Leonid Gaidai's signature comedic style that would later define some of Soviet cinema's most beloved comedies.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its physical comedy and broad humor.
Seen as a charming and lighthearted early work by director Leonid Gaidai.
Appreciated for the performances of its comedic actors.
Google audience: Information regarding Google user reviews for this specific short film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
This short film served as a testing ground for the comedic chemistry and character archetypes that Leonid Gaidai would later develop and make famous in his feature-length films like 'Operation Y and Shurik's Other Adventures' and 'The Diamond Arm'.
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