Robert Joyner The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

Jenna Walter The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

Brenda The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

Nicole I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

Armand meeting between Tchekov and Mikhalkov. so, a splendid moment. because this film is not exactly an adaptation. or support for one of a Russian image. it is a gem, fragile and delicate, precise and seductive, in which each piece is placed at perfect place. after the end, essential is its favor. gloomy stories, wise performance, the eyes of a child in middle of adults storm. change of sense and the dark clouds of revolution. fragility and need of guarantees. silhouettes of characters as shadows. and the games of normality who must cover the holes of reality. a film , like many by Mikhalkov, who represents only translation of a profound search of ideal in common reality. short - the story of Oblomov in different clothes.

avechersky The excellent scenario by Alexander Adabashyan is composed from an early Chekhov's play 'Platonov' together with some unpublished Chekhov stories and diaries. The story of Platonov (Alexander Kalyagin) disillusionment and loosing the love of his youth is created with a great skill. The perfect selection and performance of cast, subtle camera-work and a beautiful Russian nature as a background make film extremely enjoyable and convincing.The portrayal of pre-revolutionary 'intelligentsia', the degraded nobility and arising peasants bourgeoisie is full of bitter sarcasm and irony, unfortunately comprehensible only to those familiar with Russian culture and language. The ostensible conflict between old stiff nobility and impotent trendy younger gentry movement - narodniks (populists) is shown with a splendid humor by two brilliant actors: Yury Bogatyryov (Sergei Voynicev) and Oleg Tabakov (Pavel Petrovich Sherbuk). One can easily see how much similar they are in fact.This one of the best Nikita Mikhalkov's films is full of nostalgia and apprehensions about the role and fate of intelligentsia in the subsequent history of Russia. One can clearly sense the decline and decadence of pre-revolutionary life with the deep filling of oncoming tragedy hanging over the people, still enjoying their life as much as they can.

horatiu31 I'm afraid that my poor english will not let me to tell how wonderful and profound movie is this. The actors are brilliant, the script is perfect, the recreation of the atmosphere is a totally success, the dramatic turn is magnific directed, this movie is an all time masterpiece. Believe me! Oh, those Russians!

adelka_soba If you read Anton Chekhov, you will not find this story in his plays. However, this film was made by Chekhov. If you love his works and if you are able to feel their spirit, you will love this wonderful film. Because the main intention was to feel and reproduce this unique atmosphere of Chekhov's works. Mikhalkov did it perfectly. I have to say, it's very hard thing as there are actually very few good films made by Chekhov's plays and later stories. Mikhalkov reproduced this boredom of insignificant people's lives and despair of the main character (Mikhail Platonov). Chekhov is my favorite author and I guess I know what is good and what is bad in those films by his works. If Chekhov's name isn't just a name for you, you HAVE TO get this film and watch it!!! It's the best film by Chekhov I've ever seen.