Overall, I enjoyed the film. I could relate to the characters, which were believable and went through realistic problems throughout their lives.
From the beginning, I knew Katya was going to get into some sort of trouble because of Lyudmila's lies- who knew it would be a baby. Because of this, I didn't find Lyudmila to be a character all that interesting, although she was quite funny. The more she schemed and deceived, it was apparent that her marriage would not last, for it had been built originally on a foundation of lies. Why go through life looking for a rich husband to depend on? Others work hard and earn their living, while others merely act as parasitic insects. I'm an independent, very hard-working female and when I see other women just looking for a rich husband to settle with and not really work a day in their lives, it's infuriating!
Although I did admire Katya's independence and taking responsibility in raising a child alone, while working her way up to an executive director, I found Antonina's life to be the most rewarding in comparison with the other three women. She finds real love from the beginning, raising her children, and helps her husband in tending to the farm. (I'm all for women working their way up in life, but Antonina's humble, traditional, and simple life seems most full of happiness and love.)
I realize that this film was made during a different time far from what is accepted in society as we know it, but I found when Katya submits to Goga demanding that he be superior (the "man's" role) to be ridiculous. Katya should not have to give up her superior role in the family just so she can find love. She has lived most of her life being independent and hard working, raising a daughter without a father figure and just because she finds a man like no other who just strolls into her life, doesn't mean she has to throw that independence away. Relationships should be about equality, not stereotypical gender roles.
And also, why don't these movies ever give subtitles for the songs that begin the story?!? I was interested in understanding what they were singing about this Alexandra for.
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I also found it frustrating that Katerina gave in to Gosha simply because he asked her to. I understand that she wanted the relationship to work, but I think that relationships work better when they're equal. She was such a strong woman in the film, and it seemed out of character for her to make a decision like that.
On my blog I've gone ahead and written out a translation of the words that we hear from the song "Aleksandra" both at the beginning and ending of the film.
I agree, by the way, that they probably should have shown the lyrics at the beginning.
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