And yet not Russia. I looked with great curiosity. I expected a little different, namely, that military clashes and quarrels between different factions, including between the countries of Russia and the United States, would be shown.
It turned out to be a reflection film on the theme “Ukraine is Russia or not.” The main starting point of the film was a book by one of the presidents of Ukraine – Leonid Kuchma called “Ukraine is not Russia”. Most of the film is Konchalovsky’s dialogue with Kuchma. Very thoughtful dialogues without odious statements, mutual accusations and unequivocal conclusions, which in itself is rare, especially when it comes to discussing the Ukrainian situation.
The film shows some important differences in the culture of our countries, as well as a brief historical overview of the development of Ukrainian culture. As a person who knows both cultures and speaks both languages, I can subscribe to almost all the conclusions Konchalovsky draws for himself. Most of all, I am impressed by the fact that Andrei Sergeyevich does not impose his opinion on anyone. The film shows his thoughts, from which he starts. This invites the viewer to think. Konchalovsky, as it were, says: Let us think together what this means.
In addition to Kuchma and Konchalovsky, the film shows comments by other Russian and Ukrainian public figures and politicians, including Chernomyrdin and Berezovsky, which makes the picture more voluminous.
Overall very interesting.
10 out of 10