Watch Chasing two hares

Chasing Two Hares is a 1961 Soviet comedy film directed by Viktor Ivanov. The film stars Oleg Borisov as Semyon Semyonovich, a young man who lives in a small village and dreams of becoming a millionaire. Margarita Krinitsyna stars as Lyuba, Semyon's love interest, while Nikolay Yakovchenko stars as Ivan, his friend. The plot of the movie revolves around Semyon's attempts to make money quickly. He tries various schemes, including selling firewood and starting a chicken farm, but nothing seems to work. Meanwhile, Lyuba is courted by a wealthy city dweller, threatening Semyon's chances with her.

The film is full of comedic moments as Semyon tries to rise to wealth and win over Lyuba. However, beneath the humor lies a social commentary on the challenges faced by those living in smaller communities in the midst of modernization. Semyon's desire for wealth is driven by his belief that it will provide him with happiness and social status, yet his attempts are repeatedly stymied by his lack of resources and the complexities of the modern economy.

In the end, the film resolves the central romantic conflict, and Semyon learns to find happiness in the simple pleasures of life. The film was a popular success in the Soviet Union and has remained well-regarded by contemporary audiences.

The acting in the film is impressive, with Oleg Borisov delivering a standout performance as Semyon. He captures the character's humor, desperation, and vulnerability with skill and nuance. Margarita Krinitsyna is likewise excellent as Lyuba, imbuing the character with a lively energy and warmth that makes her eventual attraction to Semyon feel earned.

The cinematography is also noteworthy in the film. The lush landscapes and vibrant colors of the village setting are beautifully captured, creating a lively and vibrant world for the characters to inhabit. However, this contrasts with the more muted tones associated with the urban world, highlighting the divide between the two settings.

Overall, Chasing Two Hares is a delightful comedy that offers a heartwarming portrait of life in rural Soviet Union. Its blend of humor and social commentary make it an enduring classic of Soviet cinema.

Chasing two hares is a 1961 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.