ilyaeck-988-416285

As far as I am concerned, this is the movie that actually deserves to be called "From Russia With Love" - a realistic, nuanced spy thriller that becomes a poignant, genuinely moving love story that defeats and outlives, despite all olds, the rotten old world - like a flower growing through the Berlin wall and blooming after that wall is long gone. There are many outstanding aspects to this film, not least of which is the perfect casting, with both Pfeiffer and Connery being at their very best, and the haunting score. But there is more. Somehow, The Russia House manages to combine and contrast the cerebral, cynical world of Cold War era spy games with a richly atmospheric and an impossibly moving love story. The honesty with which this story is told: from actual locations (one of the first British/American movies filmed in Russia), to the mature and realistic storytelling, to rich and truthful performances, makes that cold-vs-hot contrast all the more vivid. And then, all that honesty and realism transcend into something more: a poetic culmination hope, love, honor, music, beauty that touches your soul - if you let it. This is what all art is for.

I saw this movie first when I was 12. Revisiting it 25 years later, I could now reassess and reaffirm what I already knew: it's simply best in class! Nobody can do comedy like the French (sorry Hollywood, it's in their culture since Moliere, before America even existed), and this is one of the best French comedies ever. But it's not just the hilarious scenes (of which there are plenty; the short tea-for-two Turkish baths scene is a masterpiece), but every single element of it shines: the story, the timeless De Funes/Bourvil duo, the gorgeous scenery, the score, the universal appeal with not just French but also British actors and the sense of camaraderie that creates... But above all, the unbridled optimism that permeates every single shot, making the entire film such an uplifting experience! Feeling depressed, lonely, aggressive? Watch this movie! Show it to all kids as they grow up and the world will become a better place!

An engaging psychological thriller, it's got some fights, girls, guns, muscles and chase scenes, but that's not the point. Ultimately, this film is about friendship and honor. It's a guys' flick, although girls too will be rewarded with Alain Delon's divine mug in plenty a closeup. It is probably Charles Bronson's finest performance ever, and one of Delon's best films. Made entirely in English, this is a good chance for an American viewer to appreciate French thrillers. While trying to imitate Hollywood first, they ended up being much better than the original. This movie will probably not change you as a person, but it will resonate with you.

What should have been just another spy/revenge B-movie ends up being one of the most memorable French films in my book. Sure, similar modern thrillers from Hollywood (e.g., Bourne franchise) may be more sophisticated plots, more intense chase scenes, camera angles, elaborated combat but ... who cares? A few months later, I can barely remember what those movies were about, let alone specific scenes. And yet, I just cannot get enough of Belmondo as The Professional. This movie hits me emotionally again and again, no matter how many times I watch it. It's charming, often funny, and ultimately, profoundly sad. If you've never heard of Belmondo, who by the way, is one of French cinema's national treasures, this is a great one to start with. A true classic!