Gaidai’s comedy “The Caucasian Captive” is perhaps one of the peaks of his work. Here the director used as much as he could and got a high-quality result.
The comedy turned out so funny and outstanding that it looks even today as a magnificent masterpiece of cinema, not aging with time, but rather becoming more valuable. This, if it were possible to compare with painting, as, say, the painting of Polenov “Moscow Yard” or any other masterpiece of that era and genre. This is a classic, unforgettable, and one of the brightest events of Soviet cinema.
The plot, of course, is hilarious and with its “bells and whistles”. A young student Shurik goes to the North Caucasus to study customs, and on the way he meets Nina, a girl characterized by only a few bright words: "She is a student, a sportsman, a Komsomol member, and finally - just a beauty." therefore, the film draws attention to itself immediately, starting from the first frame, from Shurik's acquaintance with Edik.
I can say that Gaidai used here not only his standard comedy techniques, but also the general atmosphere of filming. Firstly, the beautiful nature of the subtropical belt of the USSR, secondly the peculiarities of Caucasian color and customs, and thirdly - the indescribable atmosphere of the film and the relations between the characters. It’s like a comedy, and romance, and even a bit of hooliganism, for example, during the abduction of Nina or the scene in the house with the service. but it doesn’t diminish, but on the contrary, elevates the film, making it light and bright and at the same time enjoyable to watch.
As for the acting, I can say that it is not just at the height, but at super height. Awesome performances by Morgunov, Vitsin, Nikulin, this three-sided Gaidai, simply make the viewer laugh. especially when talking to a restaurant with Shurik, and when they came to the house where they sang one of the pearl songs of this film, it’s just a talent that everyone doesn’t have, I certainly say. But also in other episodes of the film, especially when it is a scene with a refrigerator and chasing a car in the back of it with Shurik on a water-cart, it looks just great even in our days.
Do not disappoint the film and the soundtrack. The song about bears was often played on radio and TV, and was generally loved by the people. But in the movie itself, the soundtrack, though not outstanding, but the music is appropriate in all episodes. That is, I want to say that it is appropriate, correctly chosen and put up quite well, for which Zatsepin is a huge respect.
Also, Mkrtchyan and Etush played their roles superbly. Without ngih picture would be much more boring. Therefore, they are very appropriate here and their acting game has become a kind of example in Soviet cinema. Also, Varley played for all 5 +, so first of all the film turned out because of a competent acting game.
But no less a role in the film is played by the comedic situations themselves and the catch phrases that have long been dispersed among our people for quotes.
In general, a wonderful, funny, without vulgar jokes and assorted humor movie. In short, a masterpiece of Soviet comedy for all times! Therefore, I put the highest rating possible, namely:
10 out of 10
Pretty masterpiece movie!
