Watch Ivan & Abraham

Ivan & Abraham is a drama movie from 1993 set in Soviet-era Russia. It tells the story of two friends, Ivan and Abraham, who come from different religious backgrounds but share a strong bond since childhood. Ivan is a Russian Orthodox Christian, while Abraham is Jewish. The film follows their lives from the early 1960s to the Perestroika era of the late 1980s.

The movie begins with the two boys as children, living in a small village. They spend their days together, playing and exploring the countryside, and often face discrimination and ridicule from others because of their different religions. However, their friendship remains steadfast, and they continue to support and protect each other.

As they grow older, their lives take different paths. Ivan becomes a soldier in the Soviet army and is stationed in Afghanistan. Abraham, meanwhile, becomes a successful businessman and moves to Moscow, where he faces new challenges as a Jew in a society that is increasingly hostile towards them.

Despite these differences, Ivan and Abraham remain close friends and often write letters to each other. They share their hopes, dreams, and struggles, and offer each other comfort and support.

The movie also explores the complex political and social landscape of Soviet-era Russia. As the country undergoes a series of political reforms, Ivan and Abraham observe the changes from different perspectives, and their friendship is tested as they struggle to reconcile their differences.

Throughout the film, the performances of the actors are excellent. Roma Alexandrovitch plays Ivan with great sensitivity and depth, capturing the character's quiet strength and resilience. Aleksandr Yakovlev is equally impressive as Abraham, portraying the character's intelligence, wit, and determination with nuance and subtlety. Vladimir Mashkov also shines in his supporting role as Pavel, Ivan's army friend, bringing depth and complexity to his performance.

The cinematography and visual aesthetics of the movie are also noteworthy, capturing the beauty of the Russian countryside and the starkness of the urban landscape. The film's score, composed by Eduard Artemyev, is haunting and evocative, heightening the emotional impact of each scene.

Overall, Ivan & Abraham is a moving and powerful movie that explores the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and identity in a society that is undergoing significant change. While it is set in a specific historical context, the themes it explores are universal, making it a timeless and classic piece of cinema. The movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in Russian culture and history, as well as those interested in exploring the complexities of human relationships.