Daddy (2004)
A Russian drama about a father's boundless love, a son's ambition, and the impossible cost of leaving everything behind.
Daddy - Movie Information
- Original Title: Папа
- Release Year: 2004
- Directed by: Vladimir Mashkov
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Original Language: Russian
- Spoken Languages: Russian
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 9, 2004 (Russia - 12+), November 11, 2004 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: Daddy (US), Papa (RU)
- Production Companies: Profit
- Production Countries: Russia
Daddy - Plot
Based on A. Galikh's play "Matrosskaya Tishina", "Papa" tells a story of a Jewish father who dreamed of seeing his son perform on a stage in front of huge audiences, he dreamed of seeing him as the greatest violinist of his time. To achieve the goal he taught his son Dodik how to play the violin from the yearly age. When Dodik grew up he left the small town he and his father lived in to study in the Moscow Conservatory leaving his past behind. But one day he has to choose either to loose his father or everything he has achieved.
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Daddy - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Vladimir Mashkov
Main Cast
- Vladimir Mashkov
- Egor Beroev
- Olga Krasko
- Anatoli Vasilyev
- Sergey Dreyden
- Andrey Smolyakov
- Artur Smolyaninov
- Anna Astashkina
- Aleksandr Siguev
- Olga Miroshnikova
Writers
- Ilya Rubinstein
- Vladimir Mashkov
Producers
- Igor Tolstunov
- Vladimir Mashkov
- Mikhail Zilberman
Daddy - FAQs
What is Daddy (2004) about?
Daddy follows Abraham Schwartz, a devoted Jewish father in a small Soviet town who pours everything into making his son Dodik a world-class violinist. When Dodik leaves for the Moscow Conservatory, he distances himself from his roots — until a painful choice forces him to confront his past and his father's sacrifices.
Is Daddy based on a true story or a play?
Daddy is based on Matrosskaya Tishina, a celebrated play by Soviet playwright Alexander Galich. Written in the 1950s, the play was banned in the USSR for decades due to its frank portrayal of Jewish identity and Soviet antisemitism. The film brings this long-suppressed story to the screen with emotional depth.
Does Daddy have a happy ending?
Daddy builds toward a deeply emotional and bittersweet conclusion. The story centers on an impossible choice — whether Dodik will stand by his father or protect the prestigious career he has built. Without giving too much away, the ending is more heartbreaking than triumphant, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
Where can you watch Daddy online?
You can check current streaming availability for Daddy on JustWatch, which tracks all platforms offering the film in your region — whether for streaming, rental, or purchase. Availability may vary depending on your country.
Who plays the father Abraham Schwartz in Daddy?
Vladimir Mashkov plays Abraham Schwartz, the passionate and devoted father at the heart of the story. Mashkov also directed and co-wrote the film, making it a deeply personal project. His performance is widely considered one of the most powerful of his career, anchoring the film's emotional weight.
What themes does Daddy explore?
Daddy digs into themes of parental sacrifice, Jewish identity under Soviet rule, the tension between ambition and belonging, and the cost of assimilation. It asks how far a child can drift from their roots before losing themselves — and what it truly means to honor the people who shaped you.
How was Daddy received by critics?
Daddy earned strong praise in Russia and at international festivals for its emotional sincerity and Mashkov's commanding dual role as director and lead actor. Critics highlighted the film's courage in tackling Soviet-era antisemitism and its fidelity to Galich's banned play, calling it a moving and overdue cinematic tribute.
Who directed and wrote Daddy (2004)?
Daddy was directed by Vladimir Mashkov, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Ilya Rubinstein and starred as the lead. It marked a significant directorial achievement for Mashkov, one of Russia's most respected actors, demonstrating his ability to handle intimate, historically charged material with skill and sensitivity.
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