Movie spotlight
Hey Babu Riba
In 1985, four middle-aged Yugoslav emigres return to Belgrade for the funeral of Mariana, their beautiful compatriot. They called her Esther, for Esther Williams, she was the coxswain for their four-man rowing team, and they each loved her. They'd last seen her in 1953, when they rowed her across the Adriatic, pregnant, to join her exiled father in Italy. In flashbacks we learn the story of their youthful baptism into sex, smoking, rock and roll (Hey Ba-ba-re-bop), Hollywood and Swedish films, blue jeans on the black market, and their rivalry with Ristic, the Communist Party youth leader for whom they had instant antipathy.
Insights
Plot Summary
Set in the Soviet Union of the late 1940s, the film follows the story of a young aspiring musician who dreams of becoming a famous jazz artist. He struggles with his passion for jazz in a society that largely disapproves of it, facing societal pressures and personal sacrifices. His journey is intertwined with romantic entanglements and the challenges of artistic expression in a restrictive era.
Critical Reception
Hey Babu Riba was a popular film in the Soviet Union upon its release, praised for its nostalgic portrayal of a bygone era and its charming performances. While not widely known internationally, it resonated with audiences for its lighthearted approach to serious themes and its memorable soundtrack.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its nostalgic portrayal of post-war Soviet life.
Appreciated for its charming performances and memorable jazz score.
Seen as a lighthearted yet touching exploration of dreams and societal constraints.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews and summaries for this film is not readily available in English-language databases.
Awards & Accolades
None notable internationally, but was a popular film within the Soviet Union during its release period.
Fun Fact
The film's title, 'Hey Babu Riba', is a reference to a popular jazz tune from the era, reflecting the protagonist's passion for the genre.
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