RIVER CITY FILM CLUB
CLOSING FILM OF THE YEAR !
‘STILYAGI’ (‘HIPSTERS’), RUSSIA
( With English sub-titles )
2 Hrs 10 Mins.
Directed by Valery Todorovsky
KIND COURTESY: EMBASSY OF RUSSIA
SATURDAY 28 NOVEMBER, 4:00 PM
VENUE: RIVER CITY FORUM (2nd Floor, River City Bangkok)
TRAILER:
‘Stilyagi (‘Hipsters’, in Russian) is a cult Russian musical comedy, depicting a unique, interesting, clandestine sub-culture that existed in the Soviet Union in the 1950’s.
At the height of the Cold War in the Soviet Union, the titular ‘Stilyagi’ were a bunch of Western-oriented hipsters who loved jazz, dances like the Swing and Boogie woogie, exhibited questionable morals, and enjoyed dressing with flamboyant style.
They even called the main street they used ‘Broadway’. Ofcourse the conservative Communists did not approve of them.
The film is a lively and rollicking comedy that takes the viewer on an epic joy ride through 1955 Moscow, two years after Stalin’s death.
There are certain ‘West Side Story’ touches in the tale, which centres around the ‘war’ between a group of young Muscovite Komsomol (Communist youth) and a group of Stilyagi (Hipster youth ),who clash whenever they meet, on the streets of Moscow.
At the beginning of the film, Mels (Americanized name) belongs to the former group, and is singled out by leader Katya for her personal attention. But when he meets Polly of the Stilyagi group, he falls in love, and decides to change his personality to please her- including clothes, shoes, hairstyle. He even learns to dance from his Jewish friend Bob, listen to jazz, play the saxophone-all considered controversial at that time.
The film has many lively but thought-provoking moments, which vibrantly combine the Hipster sub-culture, the love-story, the clashes with Western ideology. Many unexpected things happen, and Mels’ relationship with Polly takes a new dimension. But they are all part of the surprise-element of this unique film.
One of the highlights of the film is its music from the top Russian rock bands of the 1980’s and 1990’s. Infact, there have been musical concerts held in Europe and America, featuring only the songs of the film!
The film was screened at top festivals like the Toronto International Film Festival. It won more than 16 awards, including the top Russian National and Film Critic awards, and Audience Awards at many festivals in Europe and America.
What the Critics said:
New York Times: ‘Striking an Elvis pose behind the Iron Curtain.’
Broadway World : ‘The movie reincarnated the genre of a musical in Russian cinema.’
NPR: ‘The Hipster moment may have faded fast through repression and attrition, but in Director Todorovsky’s reading, it was crucially formative on today’s Russian youth.’
We thank the Embassy of Russia, for supporting the film event.
The Ambassador of Russia H.E. Evgeny Tomikhin will introduce the film, and host a Reception after the screening.
This will be River City Film Club’s Closing Film of the Year. Don’t Miss!
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**** DUE TO COVID 19, THERE WILL BE NO RCB BOAT-SERVICE ****
KINDLY NOTE:
*Due to Covid – 19, masks are necessary for the film events.
*Hand Sanitiser will be provided at the entrance.
*If you feel unwell, please do not attend the screening.
* Due to Social Distancing, the seating is very restricted.
TICKET: 100 BAHT (NO RE-FUND ) ******
Please show your receipt or QR code at the entrance.
Only 2 seats allowed /person
FOR BOOKINGS:
www.ticketmelon.com/rivercitybangkok/rcbfilmrussia
FOR ENQUIRIES:
(www.rivercitybangkok.com)
