I got asked to watch this film whilst working in the ex-USSR.
It's an interesting film to watch, partly for the social differences between Masha and Tom. The lesson from the film was that a lighter, western approach and ability to "play the fool" brought out an unhappy Masha from under her cloud. Although there is an element of romance between them, the focus seemed more on her character blossoming. The penultimate scene has the puppet asking her to ask "when is he coming back". This question is never asked, and the final scene shows her happily prancing down the street, seeing a jet flying overhead to symbolise his leaving and her still happy. She is not heartbroken, which is why this isn't a romance. It is about learning and her developing as a person.
Watch this film with an open mind, and enjoy it for the lesson it gives.
It's an interesting film to watch, partly for the social differences between Masha and Tom. The lesson from the film was that a lighter, western approach and ability to "play the fool" brought out an unhappy Masha from under her cloud. Although there is an element of romance between them, the focus seemed more on her character blossoming. The penultimate scene has the puppet asking her to ask "when is he coming back". This question is never asked, and the final scene shows her happily prancing down the street, seeing a jet flying overhead to symbolise his leaving and her still happy. She is not heartbroken, which is why this isn't a romance. It is about learning and her developing as a person.
Watch this film with an open mind, and enjoy it for the lesson it gives.