Truth is Good, But Happiness is Better
Truth is Good, But Happiness is Better

Movie spotlight

Truth is Good, But Happiness is Better

1952
Movie
138 min
Russian

The imperious old woman Mavra Tarasovna, the mother of the Moscow merchant Amos Panfilovich Baraboshev, is looking for a general groom for her granddaughter Polyxena.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Director: Ivan PirievGenres: Drama, Comedy

Plot Summary

In a picturesque village, a charming and somewhat naive schoolteacher, Zhenya, finds herself navigating the complexities of love and rural life. She is courted by two very different men: a pragmatic and successful collective farm chairman and a dashing, adventurous pilot. Zhenya's journey explores the timeless conflict between idealistic notions of truth and the simple pursuit of happiness.

Critical Reception

This Soviet comedy-drama was a popular film in its time, celebrated for its lighthearted tone, picturesque scenery, and engaging performances. While not a critical darling in the international arthouse sense, it resonated with audiences for its optimistic outlook and gentle humor, embodying a certain idealized vision of Soviet rural life.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its charming portrayal of village life and heartwarming romance.

  • Appreciated for its light comedic elements and the effervescent performance of its lead.

  • Seen as a pleasant and optimistic Soviet film that prioritizes feel-good storytelling.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's gentle humor and the enduring appeal of its romantic plot. Viewers found it to be an uplifting and escapist watch, representative of a certain optimistic era in Soviet cinema.

Fun Fact

The film was a significant commercial success in the Soviet Union, with millions of tickets sold, making Lyudmila Tselikovskaya a household name.

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