Adam i Heva

And all of a sudden we see on the screen a mountain village in theheart of Dagestan, a small autonomous republic on the Caspian sea (yes,that same area where the Russians are fighting local Islamic guerrillasnow – well, most of you will have to check your knowledge of geography,since it is generally non-existent). Guess what, it's the 60s and thereis virtually no Soviet power to speak of. It was a true statement then,but something that the Soviet regime would never want to acknowledge,particularly on screen. How the heck this movie sneaked past thecensorship – still beats me, there must be an interesting story totell.

Moreover, the villagers live according to Sharia law, the movie,although in a very comical way, portrays the condition of the woman inthe Islamic soviet republic. The whole storyline is based on theobscure Sharia custom of marriage. I was puzzled and surprised watchingthis.

It's a very warm movie in its portrayal of people and village life. Itfeels untypically authentic and void of any hint of propaganda. Eventhe soviet-type ending fits well and is quite believable. In any case,nothing changes much about these people, just a few minor things. Weare in 2009, and this is as true as it was back then.

The language is Russian, none of the main actors is from Dagestan,judging by the cast. Lots of Armenians in the cast, which is kind offunny, since there aren't too many in the area. Wish they release itwith decent subtitles. I think the movie is available on DVD in Russia,obviously without any subtitles (just another sign of culturalisolationism, total disregard to anybody else and simple professionalincompetence of the publishers – nothing new there). It is very worthwatching for anyone interested in the anthropology and culture of theregion, great illustration material for women studies as well. Anyoneelse, without any professional interest will simply enjoy a goodhumanistic story.