Watch The Lady with the Dog

The Lady with the Dog, a 1960 film adaptation of Anton Chekhov's short story of the same name, is a timeless romantic drama set in cold and wintry Russia. Directed by Iosif Kheifits, the movie follows the story of a Moscow banker named Dmitri Dmitritch Gurov, played by Aleksey Batalov, who falls hopelessly in love with a young woman named Anna Sergeyevna, portrayed by Iya Savvina, while in Yalta on vacation.

The plot of the movie revolves around Gurov, a married man, who is chasing a mistress and eager for new conquests. The film opens with his arrival in Yalta, where he meets a young lady named Anna Sergeyevna. He becomes fascinated with her immediately and tries to flirt with her, but she is initially reserved and standoffish. However, over time, they start spending more time together and become more comfortable with each other, and sparks start to fly.

As they get to know each other, they begin to realize that they have a lot in common, despite their different backgrounds. Despite Dmitri's already being married with a family, they fall deeply in love with each other. They spend long, lazy afternoons at the beach, in parks or on a boat, walking and talking about love, marriage, and relationships. They even speak candidly about cheating and adultery. Despite their passion, they cannot act on their feelings because of societal norms and existing laws.

The main theme of the movie is the conflict that arises between passion and duty. Dmitri is married, and Anna is betrothed to another man, making what they feel for each other a taboo love. Furthermore, there are lingering questions about Anna's true status in life, and she is reluctant to disclose the details of her personal life. The film portrays the two lovers as they struggle with the reality of their situation, knowing full well that their dreamed-of future is impossible, yet they surrender to passion and are adamant about being together.

The performances from the two lead actors are outstanding, especially from Batalov, who does well to convey his character's inner turmoil and conflicting emotions. Iya Savvina, on the other hand, gives an enigmatic and nuanced portrayal of Anna, rendering the character lovable with her aura of mystery and aloofness.

The cinematography in the movie is likewise fantastic, capturing the breathtaking vistas of Yalta's coast and the surrounding countryside. The film's soundtrack, which comprises a mix of stirring, classical compositions, complements the intimate and heartfelt moments between the two leads.

Despite the movie's romantic core, it still manages to be a poignant reflection on the meaning and purpose in life, particularly on the nature of love and happiness, and the reality of societal expectations. It is a thought-provoking and introspective work that is sure to impact the viewer, even after the end credits stop rolling.

The Lady with the Dog, at its core, is a timeless classic that captures the essence of love in all its complexities, from its heady beginnings to the struggles that arise from societal norms and expectations. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, it is necessary to follow your heart, even if it means taking risks and deviating from what is considered expected. Overall, the movie is a beautiful, moving film that stands the test of time and continues to captivate audiences with its enduring message.

The Lady with the Dog is a 1960 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.