The film is a comedy with elements of grotesque; it is set in post-Soviet Russia, it overexaggerates the common prejudices that supposedly Americans or Europeans have about Russians.
The plot of the story is based on the notion that from morning until dawn Russians drink the popular alcoholic beverage named Vodka, being drunk they sing the world-renowned Russian operas in the company of Gypsy folk groups and bears, accompanied by balalaikas, surrounded by matreshkas, and dressed in traditional costumes of peasants from the 19th century.
Moreover, the film shows criminal gangs, corrupt policemen, bribery, nationalism, antisemitism. On top of that, the Russians (being Jewish, Chinese, and with the black skin color simultaneously, due to mysterious and twisted circumstances at birth) show the famous Russian hospitality and generosity, readiness to widely open their mysterious souls and to become brothers with complete strangers. As expected, women feed guests and the people passing by with the traditional dishes: sour cabbage right from the bucket, salads in enormous cans, salted cucumbers - all followed by some Vodka and more Vodka.
The story has a happy ending: it is, of course, about love between all the people of the world. Policemen and criminals hug, fighting relatives and colleagues forgive each other, the authorities provide the citizens of the country with a fair share of the treasure that is finally discovered. The ending suggests that all of us are brothers and sisters and the future is bright.
It is available to watch on youtube in official Mosfilm channel with english subs. "Shirley Myrli (comedy, dir. Vladimir Menshov, 1995)" Please be warned there is some bad language and some people may be offended.
The plot of the story is based on the notion that from morning until dawn Russians drink the popular alcoholic beverage named Vodka, being drunk they sing the world-renowned Russian operas in the company of Gypsy folk groups and bears, accompanied by balalaikas, surrounded by matreshkas, and dressed in traditional costumes of peasants from the 19th century.
Moreover, the film shows criminal gangs, corrupt policemen, bribery, nationalism, antisemitism. On top of that, the Russians (being Jewish, Chinese, and with the black skin color simultaneously, due to mysterious and twisted circumstances at birth) show the famous Russian hospitality and generosity, readiness to widely open their mysterious souls and to become brothers with complete strangers. As expected, women feed guests and the people passing by with the traditional dishes: sour cabbage right from the bucket, salads in enormous cans, salted cucumbers - all followed by some Vodka and more Vodka.
The story has a happy ending: it is, of course, about love between all the people of the world. Policemen and criminals hug, fighting relatives and colleagues forgive each other, the authorities provide the citizens of the country with a fair share of the treasure that is finally discovered. The ending suggests that all of us are brothers and sisters and the future is bright.
It is available to watch on youtube in official Mosfilm channel with english subs. "Shirley Myrli (comedy, dir. Vladimir Menshov, 1995)" Please be warned there is some bad language and some people may be offended.