Watch I Step Through Moscow

I Step Through Moscow is a classic Russian film from 1964 that tells the story of a young couple's journey through the city of Moscow. The film was directed by Georgi Daneliya and written by him and Lyudmila Porgina. It stars Nikita Mikhalkov as Sasha, Aleksei Loktev as Volodya, and Galina Polskikh as Galya. The film begins with a cheerful Sasha walking through the streets of Moscow, carrying her guitar and singing. She meets Volodya, a young student, and they strike up a conversation. They soon discover that they share a love of poetry and music and decide to spend the day exploring the city together. As they wander through the streets, they encounter a variety of characters and situations that illustrate the joys and challenges of life in the Soviet Union in the early 1960s.

One of the film's key strengths is its evocation of place. Moscow is portrayed as a vibrant and diverse city, full of life and energy. The film makes use of a variety of locations, from busy shopping streets to quiet parks and alleyways, and from bustling cafes to Soviet-era apartment blocks. The vivid visuals are complemented by a lively soundtrack of music and street noise, which adds to the immersive experience.

Another strength of the film is its portrayal of the characters. Sasha and Volodya are both well-drawn and engaging, and their interactions are believable and natural. They are joined on their journey by a range of other characters, including a group of young musicians, a group of workers on strike, and a poet who has lost his muse. Each of these characters brings a unique perspective on life in the Soviet Union, and the film explores their hopes, dreams, and frustrations.

The film is not without its flaws, however. Some viewers may find it slow-paced, and the lack of a strong narrative arc may make it difficult to fully engage with the characters. Additionally, the film's depiction of Soviet society is somewhat idealized, with little attention paid to the political or economic challenges facing ordinary citizens.

Despite these limitations, I Step Through Moscow remains an important and influential film in the history of Russian cinema. Its innovative use of location shooting and naturalistic performances paved the way for the development of the Russian New Wave in the 1960s, which challenged traditional Soviet filmmaking conventions and explored new themes and styles.

Overall, I Step Through Moscow is a charming and engaging film that captures the spirit of a time and place with a rare authenticity and lyricism. Its exploration of the joys and struggles of everyday life in the Soviet Union will resonate with viewers of all backgrounds, and its celebration of the power of art and human connection to transcend hardship and struggle remains as relevant today as it was in 1964.