7 February 2014

Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears [Part 1] Starts with two girls living in a dormitory. Katya is a hardworking student and Lyudmila is determined to chase after a man. Lyudmila, always scheming and lying, convinces Katya to pretend to be rich with her. Together, they each deceive a man into falling for them. Ironically, a good man decides to marry Lyuda despite her deception, while Katya is left alone with a baby. The movie ends with Katya alone and crying. Life seems to be so unfair for those who seem to be such good people.

If we did not know that there would be a part 2 (starring Aleksey Batalov) this short film could have left its audience with a heavy feeling. However, we have hope that things will turn around for Katya. After all, she is a hardworking and honest woman. Plus, having been recognized in American theatres, we know this film will have a happy ending for such a deserving woman.

Katya’s parents are never mentioned and neither are the parents of Lyuda. Katya’s uncle, however, is rich. Did Katya come from a good background? A bad one? We do not know.

At the beginning of the film, Katya barely fails her exams by two points. Perhaps it was this disappointment that allowed her to go against her character and  fake her circumstances.

The mother of the camera man was a very unlikable character. She clearly does not know how to raise children. Her younger son does not listen or respect her and is just a disgusting little boy. Her older son is a disappointment, as well. He believes everything the television tells him and admires it so much. The fault of the sons is with the mother. Although it is understandable they probably did not have a father figure, I still cannot help but blame the mother for the way they turned out.

Despite Katya’s predicament, I have hope for her next chapter, seeing as Aleksey Batalov will enter the film.