The New Moscow
The New Moscow

Movie spotlight

The New Moscow

1938
Movie
100 min
Russian

A comedy about a naive young architect and his wild designs for a “New Moscow.” The Soviet censors weren't at all amused and shelved it.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Director: Alexander MedvedkinGenres: Comedy, Satire

Plot Summary

A satirical look at Soviet society and the struggles of ordinary people trying to achieve the utopian ideals of communism. The film follows a group of villagers who embark on a journey to Moscow with a prized cow, encountering various bureaucratic obstacles and quirky characters along the way.

Critical Reception

The film is a complex piece of Soviet propaganda, lauded by some for its inventive filmmaking and biting satire, while criticized by others for its perceived critique of the Soviet system itself. It remains a significant, albeit controversial, artifact of its time.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unique visual style and daring satirical edge.

  • Viewed as a critique of Soviet bureaucracy and the disconnect between ideals and reality.

  • Acknowledged as a fascinating, though ideologically charged, piece of Soviet cinema.

Google audience: Audience reception is largely unavailable due to the film's historical context and limited distribution outside of its intended audience. However, discussions often revolve around its status as a piece of propaganda and its artistic merits.

Fun Fact

Despite its satirical elements, "The New Moscow" was initially intended as a celebratory film for the 20th anniversary of the October Revolution, but its unconventional approach led to it being suppressed for a period.

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