An Ordinary Miracle

Watch An Ordinary Miracle

  • 1964
  • 1 hr 34 min
  • 7.2  (252)

An Ordinary Miracle, a Soviet comedy-fantasy film from 1965, tells the story of an enchanting day in the life of an ordinary physician in a fictional kingdom. The film, which is directed by Marc Chagall, is set in the 19th century and features an exceptional cast consisting of Aleksey Konsovskiy, Nina Zorskaya, and Oleg Vidov. The plot of An Ordinary Miracle revolves around Dr. Zheglov (played by Aleksey Konsovskiy), a skilled and compassionate doctor who is content with his mundane and predictable life. One day, while walking back from his daily rounds, he stumbles upon a fairy named Nanny (Nina Zorskaya) who has been banished from her kingdom and is in need of help. Dr. Zheglov is hesitant to get involved, but ultimately agrees to assist her.

As a result of his efforts, the kingdom's ruler, King Archibald (Oleg Vidov), grants Dr. Zheglov three wishes. The physician is skeptical but decides to use his newfound powers to help those in need. He wishes for medicine that can cure any illness, a carriage that can transport him anywhere, and the ability to make someone fall in love with another person. However, much to his surprise, each of his wishes comes with unforeseen consequences.

Dr. Zheglov's first wish, for a cure-all medicine, quickly turns into a chaotic situation. The medicine he creates is so potent that villagers from far and wide begin flocking to his door, seeking help for their ailments. The physician, overwhelmed by the sudden demand, is unable to keep up with the requests and is soon faced with the possibility of no longer being able to help anyone.

The second wish, for a carriage that can transport him anywhere, becomes a test of Dr. Zheglov's character. Soon after, the physician becomes involved in a love triangle between a wealthy woman who is married to a cold and heartless man and a poor but kind-hearted young man who is in love with her. Using his carriage, Dr. Zheglov tries to help the young man win the woman's affection, but complications arise, and the physician must once again find a way to fix the unforeseen outcome of his wish.

The final wish, to make someone fall in love with another, proves to be the most challenging of them all. Dr. Zheglov decides to use his last wish to help two young people, who are in love but from different social classes, be able to marry. However, things do not go as planned, and soon the physician finds himself and the king in danger because of his wish.

Throughout the film, the characters navigate through a series of challenges, many of which are a direct result of the seemingly harmless wishes. The movie's comedic elements, such as Dr. Zheglov's reactions to the consequences of his wishes, add levity to the otherwise mystifying events happening around him. The film's fairy-tale-like setting, complete with a kingdom ruled by a king, magical creatures, and enchanting landscapes, transports viewers into a world of imagination and wonder.

An Ordinary Miracle also includes smart commentary on social issues. One of the underlying themes of the film is the injustice of class-based discrimination, a prevalent issue of the time. Through the film's narrative, Chagall presents the consequences of blind adherence to social class and sarcastically satirizes the division of society.

In conclusion, An Ordinary Miracle is an entertaining and thought-provoking movie that has stood the test of time. Its clever storytelling, talented cast, well-crafted comedic elements, and relevant social commentary make it a classic that is well worth watching. Whether you are a fan of Soviet cinema, the fantasy genre, or simply enjoy a good tale, this film is a must-watch.

An Ordinary Miracle
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Description
  • Release Date
    1964
  • Runtime
    1 hr 34 min
  • Language
    Russian
  • IMDB Rating
    7.2  (252)
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