robert.crossley Reviews

Ryaba, My Chicken (1994)

Pleasing low budget comic modern fairy tale set in a Russian village

[7/10 · 28 September 2001]

A return to where it all started for Konchalovsky. This comic retelling of the goose that laid the golden egg story was shot on location in a Russian peasant village and employs an almost entirely non-professional cast. This grounds the picture's fairy tale plot in a convincingly authentic world. The film is fresh and funny and the social comment that there is is presented with a light touch. Pic works both as a fairy tale comedy and as a fascinating glimpse into the lives of ordinary Russian peasants. It's hard to believe this is from the man who directed "Tango and Cash".