Watch Gentlemen of Fortune

Gentlemen of Fortune is a Soviet comedy film released in 1971. Directed by Alexander Sery, the movie revolves around a group of professional criminals who plan on kidnaping the son of a wealthy businessman. Initially, they think of this plan as a quick and easy way to earn money until circumstances show them otherwise. The main character of the movie is a prison teacher named Danilov, who gets mistaken for a notorious criminal of the same name. Accompanied by his colleague, he is taken to a high-security prison to provide education classes for the prisoners. The criminals quickly realize the mistaken identity but keep it a secret to use Danilov’s teaching skills to educate their children.

Danilov soon finds himself captured by the group of criminals who have been planning the kidnapping of the son of the wealthy businessman. Initially, he is completely unaware of their plans, and the criminals have to tie him up to make sure that he doesn’t interfere. Along the way, Danilov gains the confidence of his captors and becomes their chief strategist in the kidnapping, all the while trying to figure out a way to escape.

The criminals, led by their charismatic and cunning leader, start to shape their plan flawlessly until the day of the kidnapping arrives. Things soon take a hilarious turn, as one unexpected event after another leads to a complete alteration of their original plan. Will the criminals be successful in their kidnapping, or will they find that the life of a criminal is not that easy?

One of the most striking features of the film is its intricate and witty dialogues, which add to the humor of the movie. The actors, most of whom were not seasoned professionals, delivered their lines effortlessly and brought out the characters’ quirky and humorous personalities. The comedic timing of the actors is outstanding, and the film’s light-hearted tone keeps the audience engaged throughout.

Gentlemen of Fortune is a rare example of a Soviet comedy film that strikes a chord with international audiences. The film was well-received both in the USSR and abroad and received critical acclaim. It is now considered a cult classic and a vintage of Russian cinema.

The theme of the movie revolves around the importance of education, the pitfalls of criminal life, and the resilience of human spirit. The film is not just a comedy, but also a social commentary on the underprivileged classes of Soviet society. The depiction of prisoners and their families resonates with viewers and adds depth to the characters.

The film is not without its flaws, however. Some viewers may find the plot predictable or the characters one-dimensional, but it is worth noting that this film was a product of its time and cultural context. The movie portrays a particular aspect of Soviet life, and it does so with remarkable wit and humor.

Overall, Gentlemen of Fortune is an enjoyable and heartwarming film that reminds us of the importance of education, family, and the power of human connections. The humor and light-hearted tone of the movie make it accessible to viewers of all ages and cultures, and its cast of colorful characters ensures that audiences will remember it long after the credits roll.