My Tender and Affectionate Beast
My Tender and Affectionate Beast

Movie spotlight

My Tender and Affectionate Beast

1978
Movie
105 min
Russian

An aristocrat falls for a young woman who brings him ruin. Based on Chekhov's story. AKA A Hunting Accident, The Shooting Party.

Insights

IMDb7.4/10
Director: Emil LotyanuGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

Set in Bessarabia at the turn of the 20th century, the film tells the story of Uljana, a beautiful young woman from a peasant family who becomes the object of desire for two wealthy landowners. One, a sophisticated and older nobleman, desires her for his pleasure, while the other, a younger, passionate man, falls genuinely in love with her. The narrative explores themes of class disparity, unrequited love, and the societal constraints placed upon women of the era, as Uljana navigates the complex emotional and social landscape surrounding her.

Critical Reception

My Tender and Affectionate Beast was a significant cinematic event in the Soviet Union, lauded for its visual splendor and romantic narrative. While critically acclaimed for its artistic direction and performances, its portrayal of passionate, albeit tumultuous, love and its exploration of societal nuances resonated deeply with audiences. It is remembered as a beautifully crafted period romance.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its lush cinematography and evocative period setting.

  • Appreciated for its compelling romantic storyline and emotional depth.

  • Often noted for its strong performances, particularly from the lead actress.

Google audience: Information not available for Google user reviews.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the story "The Beast" by Lithuanian writer I.P. Drashkunas.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

This has something of the judgement of Paris about the story, only this time it's the impoverished "Olga" (Galena Belyaeva) who has to choose between three men who would have her heart, body and soul. Perhaps the most obvious choices might ...