Watch Office Romance

Office Romance is a Soviet romantic comedy film released in 1977. It is directed by Eldar Ryazanov and stars Alisa Freyndlikh, Andrey Myagkov, and Svetlana Nemolyaeva in lead roles. The film opens with a prologue that sets a humorous tone for the rest of the film, introducing the audience to the main characters and their workplace – a Soviet research center. The leading character of the film is a smart, responsible and hardworking typist, Anastasiya 'Anya' Vladimirovna, played by Alisa Freyndlikh. The film captures her daily struggles at work, her sadness at not having a life outside her job, and her indifference towards romantic love.

Anya's routine life takes a turn when she encountered her boss, a notorious womanizer named Yuri, played by Andrey Myagkov. Yuri, who is already married, tries to make advances towards Anya, but is surprised to find that she is not interested in his charm. However, their working relationship takes an unexpected turn when Anya is asked to train Yuri on tasks that involve technical knowledge, turning him from a womanizer to a responsible employee.

As the story progresses, Yuri undergoes a change of heart and throws himself at Anya, despite her initial resistance. Anya, realizing that she has feelings for her boss, decides to give the relationship a chance, leading to several hilarious situations at the workplace.

The film features strong performances by the lead actors, Alisa Freyndlikh and Andrey Myagkov, who have a great on-screen chemistry. They portray the characters with nuanced humor, delivering witty dialogues and physical comedy that make the film enjoyable to watch. The supporting cast, including Svetlana Nemolyaeva, Mikhail Dadyko, and Oleg Basilashvili, further add to the humor and depth of the story.

Office Romance is more than just a romantic comedy. It provides a subtle critique of Soviet bureaucracy, portraying the absurdities of the socialist system through its characters' interactions with the state apparatus. The film also touches upon deeper themes such as love, sacrifice, and human connection in a modern society.

The film's score, composed by Mikael Tariverdiev, is a highlight of the film, adding to the lighthearted mood and emotional depth of the story. The film's cinematography is impressive and captures the spirit of Moscow in the late 1970s.

Office Romance was a commercial and critical success at the time of its release and has become a classic of Soviet cinema. The film was particularly well-received by audiences for its honest portrayal of love and human relationships, its humor, and its critique of Soviet bureaucracy.

In conclusion, Office Romance is a charming romantic comedy that stands the test of time. The film's humor, performances, and subtle critique of Soviet society make it a must-watch for anyone interested in Soviet cinema or classic romantic comedies.