Search - The Diamond Arm on DVD

A Russian Classic Comedy.

01/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have read one negative review about this film and I would like to clarify the statements made in it. I am Russian so, obviously, I like this film. It has typical Russian humor, it is a farce, so do not look for higher meanings in the jokes, it makes fun of the social standards of the Soviet regime as well as the people who served it so well. It features some of the best Russian actors that we love seeing and acting; they sing in the movie and it is lovely as well. If you are a tough judge of movies, then please make sure you know Soviet history a bit and understand that the humor differs from what you see in American movies before you call it crap.

I do not see why there should be a problem with characters not talking for the first ten minutes of the movie. In fact, it is just a few minutes during which you are shown the premise of the movie. And as for cyrillic letters not making sense: this is a Russian movie and you are bound to see everything written in our gibberish alphabet. Besides, the movie begins with a cruise in a foreign country (it was shot in Baku, Azerbajan but is supposed to be Turkey). The language spoken by the locals as well as the signs on buildings are gibberish - it was made up specially for the movie.



That said, I want to say a few words about the plot. Semen Semenovich is a diligent Russian economist goes on a cruise, where he gets acquainted with a mafia mob's right hand, Kozodoev, whose assignment is to pick up diamonds from the supplier and deliver it back to Moscow via a cast on his arm. During one of the last stops, Semen Semenovich gets mistaken for Kozodoev and ends up with a cast and jewels inside it. As he returns to Moscow, Semen contacts the police. Now, he has to pose as bait and escape the traps elaborately planted by the mafia.



As I already said, the movie is fantastic. Just remember that it is a farce. And no, there is not slapstick humour. Be open-minded and enjoy! Oh, and by the way, all the jewelry you will see on the screen is authentic. It's mentioned in the beginning that the film crew would like to thank all Soviet individuals who lend their gems for the filming.

"

A fun movie for anyone.

Jim Krupnik | Watchung, NJ United States | 01/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a typical (semi slapstick) Gaiday film. It is corny, well produced, and will please anyone who enjoys the upper crust of silly comedy. The subtitles are just fine. You do not have to understand any Russian to laugh at this movie. Buy it, and enjoy."

The classic comedy

Irina Simmons | U.S.A. | 04/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This movie is the greatest classic comedy ever. Don't listen to the lady, who gave this movie only 2 stars, she doesn't know what she is talking about. Only person with the limited sence of humor may not like this film. Believe me it's wonderfull.!!!!!"

The funniest russian movie ever!

Pavel Peev | Bulgaria | 10/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This movie may be unfamiliar to American viewers, who watch american movies only. But this is a very humorous movie, starring some of Russia's best comedians - Yuri Nikulin and Andrei Mironov.

In Bulgaria, they used to show it on every New Year's day.



The plot is like this: A russian turist (Nikulin) in Istanbul slips and falls and says "Chort Poberi" (which means something like "damn", or "hell", or "go to the devil" in russian language.)

This happens to be a password for some bandits, who await their man (Mironov) to smuggle diamonds in the cast of his would-be broken arm. Without realizing what is happening, Nikulin's character smuggles the diamonds. Then he has encounters both with the russian police and with the bandits. And there is a happy end...



Watch this film, I'm sure you will enjoy it. In Bulgaria, you can legally buy it on a DVD for just $2."