I Am Twenty

Watch I Am Twenty

  • 1965
  • 3 hr 9 min
  • 7.7  (1,588)

I Am Twenty is a 1965 Soviet film directed by Marlen Khutsiev. The movie tells the story of Sergei and Lyocha, two young men who share a deep friendship and a desire to make a difference in the world. The story is set in Moscow in the early 1960s, during a time of great change and uncertainty. Sergei and Lyocha are both trying to find their place in the world, struggling to reconcile their dreams and ideals with the harsh realities of life in the Soviet Union.

Sergei is a young musician, a talented saxophonist who dreams of one day playing jazz in America. He is also deeply political, passionate about the cause of communism and committed to spreading the message of the party wherever he goes. Lyocha is a poet, a sensitive and introspective young man who is searching for meaning in his life. He is fascinated by the Beat Generation and the poetry of Allen Ginsberg, and he dreams of breaking free from the constraints of Soviet society.

As the two friends navigate their way through life in Moscow, they are confronted with a series of challenges and obstacles. They struggle to find work and make a living, and they are often subjected to harassment and persecution by the authorities. They also face personal challenges, as they try to come to terms with their relationships with women and their own identity as artists and intellectuals.

Despite these difficulties, Sergei and Lyocha remain steadfast in their commitment to their ideals. They continue to dream, to create, and to fight for a better world. Even as they grow older, they refuse to give up hope or surrender to the cynicism and despair that surrounds them.

The film is a powerful and thought-provoking meditation on the nature of idealism, the struggle for freedom and self-expression, and the enduring power of friendship. It is a deeply personal and moving portrait of a generation of young people who dared to dream of a brighter future, even as the world seemed determined to crush their spirit.

The performances in the film are outstanding, particularly those of Valentin Popov and Nikolay Gubenko, who bring a tremendous depth of feeling and humanity to their roles. The cinematography is also remarkable, capturing the beauty and complexity of life in Soviet Moscow with remarkable sensitivity and nuance.

Overall, I Am Twenty is a timeless classic of world cinema, a powerful and deeply affecting work that speaks to the struggles and aspirations of young people everywhere. Whether you are a fan of Soviet cinema or simply looking for a thought-provoking and moving film, I Am Twenty is an absolute must-see.

I Am Twenty
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Description
  • Release Date
    1965
  • Runtime
    3 hr 9 min
  • Language
    Russian
  • IMDB Rating
    7.7  (1,588)