Okay, fellow travellers down the magnetic tape memory lane, let's spool back a bit further than usual today, just before the neon glow of the 80s fully hit, to a different kind of magic. We're talking about Mark Zakharov's 1978 television masterpiece, An Ordinary Miracle (Обыкновенное чудо / Obyknovennoye chudo). Now, this Soviet gem might not have been lining the shelves next to Rambo at your local Blockbuster, but for those who stumbled upon it – perhaps through a worn multi-generational VHS copy, a late-night broadcast, or a film club screening – it unlocked a world brimming with wit, wonder, and surprisingly profound thoughts on love and creation.
Based on the beloved play by Evgeny Schwartz, An Ordinary Miracle isn't your typical fairy tale, though it borrows heavily from the genre's tropes. It’s more like a fairy tale that grew up, got a degree in philosophy, and developed a wry sense of humor about the whole "happily ever after" business. The premise itself is delightfully meta: a Wizard (Oleg Yankovsky, bringing a weary, mischievous charm) lives a quiet life with his devoted wife (Irina Kupchenko). But Wizards, well, they get bored. To amuse himself, he crafts intricate stories, bringing characters to life. His latest "masterpiece"? A reversed fairy tale where a bear, transformed into a handsome young man (Aleksandr Abdulov), will revert to his animal form if kissed by a princess. Naturally, a wandering king (Evgeniy Leonov, an absolute comedic treasure) and his daughter (Yevgeniya Simonova) stumble into the Wizard's enchanted estate, setting the stage for romantic chaos and existential chuckles.
### When Magic Gets Complicated
What makes An Ordinary Miracle so special is how it uses its fantastical setup to explore very human emotions. The Wizard isn't some benevolent Gandalf figure; he's a flawed creator, both amused and frustrated by the free will of his creations. He sets the rules, but love, as it often does, throws a spanner in the works. The romance between the cursed Bear and the earnest Princess feels genuine, fraught with the impossible dilemma at its core. Can love truly conquer all, even the seemingly immutable laws of magic (or, in this case, a wizard's capricious whim)?
Zakharov, primarily known for his groundbreaking work in Moscow theatre, brings a unique sensibility to the screen. You can feel the stage origins in the film’s DNA – the witty, rapid-fire dialogue, the slightly theatrical performances, the contained, almost hermetically sealed world of the Wizard's estate. Yet, it never feels static. The camera moves, the editing is crisp, and the production design, while perhaps modest by Hollywood standards of the time, creates a distinct atmosphere – part rustic charm, part enchanted dreamscape. It’s a film that lives and breathes in its conversations and the subtle interplay between characters.
### Stars Aligned in a Whimsical Sky
The cast is simply phenomenal, a veritable who's-who of Soviet-era screen legends. Andrei Mironov steals every scene he's in as the hilariously pompous Minister Administrator, a bureaucrat dropped into a fairy tale who tries to manage magic with paperwork and protocol. His physical comedy and rapid-fire delivery are pure gold. Evgeniy Leonov, often remembered for his voice work in the Soviet Winnie-the-Pooh (Vinni Pukh), is perfectly cast as the grumpy, bewildered King, a man utterly out of his depth but endearing nonetheless. Irina Kupchenko provides the film's grounded heart as the Wizard's wife, offering wisdom and empathy amidst the magical mayhem. And the central couple, Abdulov and Simonova, navigate their impossible romance with touching sincerity.
Let's not forget the music by Gennady Gladkov with lyrics by Yuli Kim. The songs aren't just interludes; they are woven into the narrative, revealing character and advancing the plot with clever wordplay and memorable melodies. They add another layer to the film's unique charm, shifting effortlessly between melancholic ballads and jaunty, comedic numbers. It truly is a musical, but perhaps not in the way Western audiences might immediately expect – it’s more integrated, more conversational.
### More Than Just a Fairy Tale
Watching An Ordinary Miracle today feels like uncovering a hidden treasure. It's funny, romantic, and unexpectedly wise. It playfully deconstructs fairy tale conventions while celebrating the enduring power of love and human connection. It asks big questions about creativity, destiny, and the courage it takes to defy expectations, all wrapped in a whimsical, utterly charming package. Sure, it looks and feels distinctly of its time and place, but its themes resonate universally. It didn’t need massive explosions or complex practical effects; its magic lies in its clever writing, brilliant performances, and the sheer warmth radiating from the screen. It’s the kind of film that leaves you smiling, perhaps with a thoughtful look in your eye.
This wasn't a film chasing box office glory in the West, but its enduring popularity in its homeland speaks volumes. It’s a testament to the power of intelligent storytelling and charismatic performance, proving that sometimes the most profound miracles are the ones found in ordinary (or perhaps, extraordinary) human hearts.
VHS Heaven Rating: 9/10
Justification: An Ordinary Miracle is a near-perfect blend of witty satire, genuine romance, and philosophical depth, elevated by an outstanding ensemble cast and Mark Zakharov's unique directorial vision. The music is integral and memorable, and the script is exceptionally clever. While its specific cultural context and TV-movie origins might feel different to some accustomed only to Hollywood fare, its universal themes and sheer charm are undeniable. It loses perhaps a single point only because its particular theatrical style might not connect with absolutely everyone, but for fans of intelligent fantasy and character-driven storytelling, it's a triumph.
Final Thought: Forget glass slippers and pumpkins; sometimes the real magic is just trying to figure out love, life, and whether that charming young man might turn into a bear if you kiss him. A truly enchanting classic.