Old Hags (2000)
A warm and bittersweet Russian comedy-drama about four friends facing the upheavals of a changing society.
Old Hags - Movie Information
- Original Title: Старые клячи
- Release Year: 2000
- Directed by: Eldar Ryazanov
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Runtime: 2h 8m
- Original Language: Russian
- Spoken Languages: Russian
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 3, 2000 (Russia - 12+), November 11, 2000 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: Starye Klyachi (RU)
- Production Companies: Luch, KinoMost
- Production Countries: Russia
Old Hags - Plot
Four old friends are experiencing various troubles adapting to the new times in modern Russia.
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Old Hags - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Eldar Ryazanov
Main Cast
- Lyudmila Gurchenko
- Liya Akhedzhakova
- Svetlana Kryuchkova
- Irina Kupchenko
- Nikolay Fomenko
- Valentin Gaft
- Roman Kartsev
- Mikhail Evdokimov
- Mikhail Derzhavin
- Mamuka Kikaleishvili
Writers
- Aleksandr Novototskiy-Vlasov
- Yury Fedorov
- Eldar Ryazanov
- Vladimir Moiseenko
Producers
- Leonid Bits
- Vladimir Dostal
Old Hags - FAQs
What is Old Hags about?
Old Hags follows four longtime female friends navigating the turbulent changes of post-Soviet Russia. Struggling to stay afloat financially and emotionally in a society that has shifted beneath their feet, the women lean on humor, solidarity, and resilience to face the chaos of a new era.
Is Old Hags based on a true story?
Old Hags is not based on a specific true story. It's an original screenplay co-written by director Eldar Ryazanov alongside Aleksandr Novototskiy-Vlasov, Yury Fedorov, and Vladimir Moiseenko, drawing on the broader social reality of Russia's difficult transition to a market economy in the 1990s.
Who are the main actresses in Old Hags?
The film boasts a remarkable ensemble of celebrated Russian actresses. Lyudmila Gurchenko plays Liza, Liya Akhedzhakova plays Lyubov, Svetlana Kryuchkova plays Masha, and Irina Kupchenko plays Anya — four iconic names of Soviet and Russian cinema united in a single film.
Who directed Old Hags?
Old Hags was directed by Eldar Ryazanov, one of the most beloved and prolific filmmakers in Russian cinema history. Known for warmhearted comedies and sharp social observation, Ryazanov brought his signature blend of humor and humanity to this story of friendship and resilience.
What themes does Old Hags explore?
At its heart, Old Hags explores female friendship, aging, and survival in a rapidly changing society. The film uses comedy to examine the disorientation many Russians felt during the post-Soviet transition — economic instability, shifting values, and the struggle to preserve dignity and connection in uncertain times.
When and where was Old Hags released?
Old Hags premiered in Russia on March 3, 2000, with a rating of 12+, and later reached the United States on November 11, 2000. The film was produced in Russia by Luch and KinoMost, reflecting the domestic filmmaking landscape of the late 1990s.
What are some movies similar to Old Hags?
If you enjoyed Old Hags, you might like other character-driven comedies and dramas about friendship and life's complications, such as Landline (2017), About Alex (2014), or XX/XY (2002). These films share a similar focus on relationships, personal struggles, and the bonds that hold people together.
How long is Old Hags?
Old Hags runs for 128 minutes — just over two hours. It's a generous runtime that gives the film plenty of space to develop its four central characters and explore their individual stories with warmth and depth.
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