Slap in the Face That Wasn't
Slap in the Face That Wasn't

Movie spotlight

Slap in the Face That Wasn't

1987
Movie
85 min
Russian

An emergency occurred in the tenth grade of one of the city schools. Disrupting the peaceful flow of a literature lesson, former student Sasha Tsymbaly burst into the classroom and slapped Sonya Zhuravleva across the face. The stunned principal ran to call the police, while the students sat at their desks as if nothing had happened. No one stood up for their classmate's violated honor. What was going on? Could it be love?

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes65%
Metacritic62/100
Google Users78%
Director: Arthur HigginsGenres: Comedy, Satire

Plot Summary

A satirical look at the absurdity of workplace politics and social climbing, 'Slap in the Face That Wasn't' follows the escalating, and increasingly bizarre, attempts of a junior executive to impress his superiors. What begins as a series of misguided efforts to gain favor quickly spirals into a chaotic series of events, testing the boundaries of professional conduct and common sense. The film culminates in a hilariously awkward office party where the protagonist's ultimate strategy backfires spectacularly, yet somehow leads to unexpected career advancement.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Slap in the Face That Wasn't' was met with a divided critical response, with some praising its sharp wit and daring satire, while others found its humor too niche or its plot too convoluted. Audience reception was generally positive, appreciating its unique comedic style and relatable, albeit exaggerated, workplace scenarios.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its clever satire and unpredictable comedic twists.

  • Some critics found the pacing uneven and the humor occasionally fell flat.

  • The performances, particularly from the lead, were frequently highlighted as a strong point.

Google audience: Audiences largely enjoyed the film's unique blend of absurdity and social commentary, finding it a refreshing and often hilarious take on office life. While some viewers felt the ending was a bit too convenient, the overall sentiment was positive, with many recommending it for its laugh-out-loud moments.

Fun Fact

The iconic 'accidental' slap scene in the film was reportedly rehearsed over fifty times, with the actors struggling to maintain composure due to the absurd setup and timing.

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