Watch Ivan Vasilyevich Changes Occupation

Ivan Vasilyevich Changes Occupation is a Soviet comedy film released in 1973, directed by Leonid Gaidai and starring Yuriy Yakovlev, Leonid Kuravlyov, and Aleksandr Demyanenko. The story begins in Moscow in the year 1973, where the head of a research institute, Shurik (played by Aleksandr Demyanenko), is working on building a time machine. Meanwhile, in medieval Russia during the reign of Ivan the Terrible, Ivan Vasilyevich (played by Yuriy Yakovlev) is a corrupt and authoritarian tsar who wants to rid himself of his enemies. He orders his court wizard, Cyprian (played by Leonid Kuravlyov), to build a time machine to bring a loyal contemporary from modern-day Moscow to the past in order to help him defeat his enemies. However, due to a mix-up with the coordinates, Shurik is transported to medieval Russia instead of the intended loyal follower.

The story then follows the hilarious interactions between the two characters, as Shurik struggles to understand the language and customs of medieval Russia, while Ivan Vasilyevich initially mistakes Shurik for a revolutionary and subsequently falls under his influence as he teaches him about modern technologies and concepts, such as democracy and the principles of a market economy. The two characters also inadvertently disrupt the course of history, as Shurik accidentally replaces Ivan Vasilyevich during a key moment in the past.

The film is known for its witty and humorous dialogue and for its use of physical comedy. It also features a talented cast who deliver strong performances. Yuriy Yakovlev demonstrates his versatility as an actor as he portrays both the tyrannical Ivan Vasilyevich and a bumbling version of the character who becomes more sympathetic as he learns about modern concepts of democracy and freedom. Leonid Kuravlyov is also excellent as Cyprian, the court wizard who is constantly upstaged by Shurik.

The film was a significant success upon its release and has been widely regarded as a classic of Soviet cinema. It was produced during a period of relative liberalization in the Soviet Union and has been interpreted as a satirical commentary on the limitations of ideology and authoritarian rule.

In summary, Ivan Vasilyevich Changes Occupation is a timeless comedy that has retained its popularity and relevance over the years. It is a classic example of Soviet-era cinema and a testament to the talents of its director and cast. The film is recommended for anyone who appreciates clever humor and well-crafted storytelling.

Ivan Vasilyevich Changes Occupation is a 1973 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.