This week we will look at the most popular film in Soviet history (and one which is still very popular today), Irony of Fate. This 1976 romantic comedy gives us a good look at some aspects of everyday Soviet life. The film was made in the Soviet period when Socialist Realism was the officially enforced style of art & culture. This meant, among other things, that life in the USSR was supposed to be presented in the most positive way possible, and the censor would reject works that did not conform to the criteria of Socialist Realism. Nonetheless, Irony of Fate gently (and humorously) addresses some of the problems facing Soviet society. So as you watch this film, pay attention to the following:

The features of everyday Soviet life are evident in the film.
The aspects of Soviet life are criticized in the film.
The values held by the characters. What do they enjoy? Believe in? Hope for?

Also pay attention to the details of everyday Soviet life, the kinds of jobs the characters have, and how they feel about them. Also, how were their lives supposed to work out in the romantic sense? How did they work out? And last, but not least, why do they like each other so much?

Before you watch the movie, read this article on it and its significance in understanding Russian culture:

https://www.rbth.com/literature/2013/08/29/want_to_understand_russians_watch_the_film_irony_of_fate_29339.html

And do watch this film! It's a great film and a culturally important one. Don't just read a summary of it somewhere. You are doing a disservice to yourself and your fellow students. If you don't want to watch the film, that's your choice, but don't pretend you did. You are on the honor system with this (and all the material in this class).

Part I: (Has subtitles! Wait until the dialogue sections appear to see them)

Ирония судьбы, или С легким паром 1 серия-1.mp4

Part II: (Has subtitles! Wait until the dialogue sections appear to see them)

Ирония судьбы или С легким паром 2 серия-1.mp4