All Stories

What if I told you that you can get a fine taste of Russia - a shot of vodka, a sip of borscht, a bite of firm rye bread, and a serving of pickled herring in our own very Hedberg Library? Well, as far as I know, these delicacies are still not to be acquired over the counter at Donna’s, but you can get a whole host of cool Russian films from the always impressive DVD collection we have in the library.

Not only does Hedberg Library have a variety of DVDs for checkout, they also have online video resources. Each week, they will feature three suggested films and tell you how, and where you can get them.

This week, the movies listed were suggested by John Isham.

“Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears”

  • This 1979 film has become a timeless classic. It’s a story you can really sit back and sink into, and is a source of fascinating details for what two different time periods (the late 50s and 70s) in the Soviet Union were like. The movie tells the story of three female friends whose closely knit lives intersect. We are given the chance to see how their complicated fates unfold over time and against the rich background of Moscow. This film is about 2.5 hours long so give yourself plenty of time. You’ll find yourself fascinated and engaged from beginning to end.

“Russian Ark”

  • This is an odd film, so check it out only if you are in the mood for something quite strange and/or wish to impress your friends with your refined sense of aesthetics. Made at the very end of 2001, this film is actually quite a feat in itself. It consists of a single 90 minute shot. During this shot the camera travels through the tsarist Winter Palace and the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. It takes you through a wild panorama of various historical periods ranging from present day to the eras of Peter and Catherine the Great. Don’t be too disturbed by the fact that you don’t know who’s who, or exactly what’s happening. The director of this film, Alexander Sokurov, makes very cool pieces of art that can be enjoyed on their own terms. Sit back, take it all in, and enjoy the sublime and surreal atmosphere. For cool geeks only.

“Legend No. 17”

  • This is a sports film! And to be more precise, a hockey film! Yes, it’s true! This 2013 flick chronicles the life and playing career of Yevgeny Kharlamov, one of the greatest Soviet hockey players of all time. If you have seen “Miracle,” you will especially enjoy this because you’ll find yourself pulling for the Soviets! There are some great period details and fascinating treatment of the legendary coach Anatoly Tarasov. The movie covers the period from 1968 to 1972, culminating in the classic match between the Soviet national team and the NHL Canadian team in Montreal in 1972. Check it out. This film scores on all levels!

Hedberg Library has all these films in its catalog.