Fathers
Fathers

Movie spotlight

Fathers

1989
Movie
134 min
Russian

Second half of the 1960s. Novikov, an employee of the apparatus, is a charming and successful functionary, married to the daughter of a former party leader. His life is a success — he has a status, a family, two children, as well as a young mistress — student Tanya, for whom he will never divorce... During the conflict at a youth construction site in Siberia, which he must repay, Novikov shows himself as an experienced dodger and a provocateur. Tanya's father, a war veteran and an honest worker, Ivan Dronov considers himself entitled to punish this scoundrel...

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Peter WernerGenres: Drama, Family

Plot Summary

An elderly man, recently widowed, struggles with loneliness and the realization that he has become a burden to his grown children. He begins to feel increasingly isolated and contemplates drastic measures to escape his perceived predicament. His family must rally around him to help him find a new purpose and acceptance in his later years.

Critical Reception

Fathers was a made-for-television film that explored the sensitive themes of aging, family dynamics, and the fear of becoming obsolete. While not a major theatrical release, it was recognized for its earnest portrayal of familial relationships and the challenges faced by seniors. Critics generally found the film to be a moving and thoughtful drama, though some noted its somewhat predictable narrative.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its heartfelt performances, particularly from the lead.

  • Acknowledged for tackling difficult themes of aging and family responsibility with sensitivity.

  • Noted for its conventional storytelling that, while effective, lacked significant surprises.

Google audience: Audience reception information for this specific made-for-television film is not readily available through standard Google user reviews.

Fun Fact

John Forsythe, who played the titular father, was already well-known for his role as Blake Carrington in the primetime soap opera 'Dynasty' around the same time.

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