Lone Wolf (1977)
A stark Soviet drama adapted from Turgenev, exploring poverty, duty, and moral conflict in nineteenth-century rural Russia.
Lone Wolf - Movie Information
- Original Title: Бирюк
- Release Year: 1977
- Directed by: Roman Balayan
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 17m
- Original Language: Russian
- Spoken Languages: Russian
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 26, 1977 (SU)
- Alternative Titles: Бірюк (UA), Biryuk (SU)
- Production Companies: Dovzhenko Film Studios
- Production Countries: Soviet Union
Lone Wolf - Plot
Based on one of Turgenev's Hunter's Sketches: the Lone Wolf of the title is a forest caretaker for a flippant aristocrat. Though he lives in absolute misery in a hut deep in the woods with two small children to take care of, he's feared for his merciless stalking of the starving serfs who sneak in to cut firewood.
Where to Watch Lone Wolf
Looking for where to watch Lone Wolf?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Lone Wolf - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Roman Balayan
Main Cast
- Mikhail Golubovich
- Oleg Tabakov
- Elena Chrol
- Yuriy Dubrovin
- Aleksey Zaytsev
- Anatoli Mateshko
- Irina Borisova
Writers
- Ivan Turgenev
- Ivan Mykolaichuk
- Roman Balayan
Lone Wolf - FAQs
What is Lone Wolf (1977) about?
Lone Wolf is a Soviet drama adapted from Ivan Turgenev's Hunter's Sketches. It follows Biryuk, a forest warden employed by a careless aristocrat, who lives in wretched poverty with two young children yet ruthlessly pursues starving serfs who enter the woods to steal firewood for survival.
Is Lone Wolf based on a true story or a book?
Lone Wolf is based on the short story 'Biryuk' from Ivan Turgenev's celebrated cycle Hunter's Sketches, written in the 1850s. The story is a work of literary fiction, though Turgenev drew on his observations of Russian peasant and serf life.
Who directed the 1977 film Lone Wolf?
Lone Wolf (1977) was directed by Roman Balayan, a Soviet and Ukrainian filmmaker who later became widely recognized for his 1983 film Flights in Dreams and in Reality. Lone Wolf was among his earlier directorial works, produced at the Dovzhenko Film Studios in the Soviet Union.
Who are the main actors in Lone Wolf (1977)?
The film stars Mikhail Golubovich as Biryuk, the feared forest warden, and Oleg Tabakov as Bersenev. The supporting cast includes Elena Chrol as Julitta, Yuriy Dubrovin, Aleksey Zaytsev, Anatoli Mateshko, and Irina Borisova.
Where can I watch Lone Wolf (1977) online?
Streaming availability for Lone Wolf (1977) varies by region. As a Soviet-era film with limited international distribution, it may be difficult to find on mainstream platforms. Check JustWatch for the most current viewing options available in your country, including any rental or purchase options.
What language is Lone Wolf (1977) in?
Lone Wolf (1977) is in Russian. It was produced in the Soviet Union at the Dovzhenko Film Studios. The film is also known by its original Russian title Бирюк and its Ukrainian transliteration Бірюк, reflecting the studio's Ukrainian base.
How long is the 1977 film Lone Wolf?
Lone Wolf (1977) has a runtime of 77 minutes, making it a compact and focused dramatic work. Its brevity suits the intimate, single-story source material drawn from Turgenev's Hunter's Sketches, allowing the film to maintain a concentrated emotional and moral tension throughout.
Who wrote the screenplay for Lone Wolf (1977)?
The screenplay for Lone Wolf was written by Ivan Mykolaichuk and Roman Balayan, adapting the original literary work by Ivan Turgenev. Ivan Mykolaichuk was a celebrated Ukrainian actor and screenwriter, and his collaboration with director Balayan brought a distinctly Ukrainian artistic sensibility to the project.
More About Lone Wolf
Explore further details about Lone Wolf on these authoritative databases.