The End of the World (1963)
A sharp Soviet satirical comedy that turns rural superstition and doomsday panic into a darkly comic pseudo-documentary unlike anything else of its era.
The End of the World - Movie Information
- Original Title: Конец света
- Release Year: 1963
- Directed by: Boris Buneev
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Original Language: Russian
- Spoken Languages: Russian
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 24, 1963 (SU)
- Production Companies: Gorky Film Studios
- Production Countries: Soviet Union
The End of the World - Plot
A satirical comedy with elements of metaphysical horror about religion in rural 1960s Soviet Russia. Notable for using first-person pseudo-documentary "found footage" technique framing the movie as the creation of the protagonist, who returns to his home village from the city to discover that a local drunk has formed a doomsday cult.
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The End of the World - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Boris Buneev
Main Cast
- Stanislav Sokolov
- Yevgeniya Kolmykova
- Tatyana Pelttser
- Vitali Politseymako
- Stanislav Lyubshin
- Daya Smirnova
- Varvara Popova
- Vladimir Ratomsky
- Yevgeni Kryuchkov
- Yuri Kharchenko
Writers
- Vasiliy Solovyov
Producers
- Stepan Puchinyan
The End of the World - FAQs
What is The End of the World about?
The End of the World is a 1963 Soviet satirical comedy with elements of metaphysical horror. A city dweller returns to his home village and discovers a local drunk has founded a doomsday cult. The film uses a pseudo-documentary, first-person "found footage" style to satirize religion and superstition in rural Soviet society.
Where can I watch The End of the World?
Streaming availability for The End of the World (1963) varies by region. As a Soviet-era film, it may be accessible through specialty platforms focusing on classic or world cinema. Check JustWatch for a full, up-to-date list of viewing options available in your region, including any rental or purchase options.
Who directed The End of the World (1963)?
The End of the World was directed by Boris Buneev. The film was produced by Gorky Film Studios in the Soviet Union and released on June 24, 1963. It stands as a notable example of Soviet satirical cinema from the early 1960s Khrushchev Thaw era.
Who are the main actors in The End of the World?
The principal cast includes Stanislav Sokolov as Sasha Likardokin, Yevgeniya Kolmykova as Polya, Tatyana Pelttser as Matryona, Vitali Politseymako as Filin, and Stanislav Lyubshin as father Michail. The film also features a notable early appearance by Oleg Vidov.
What makes The End of the World cinematically unique?
The film is remarkable for its early use of a first-person pseudo-documentary "found footage" technique, framing the story as a film created by its own protagonist. This self-reflexive approach was highly unconventional for Soviet cinema of the era and anticipates techniques that would become widespread decades later.
Is The End of the World based on a true story?
The End of the World is not based on a specific true story. It is an original satirical work written by Vasiliy Solovyov, drawing on broader social realities of rural Soviet life in the 1960s, including state-sanctioned anti-religious sentiment and the persistence of folk superstition in the countryside.
What genre is The End of the World (1963)?
The End of the World is classified as a comedy, though it incorporates elements of metaphysical horror and satirical social commentary. Its blend of dark humor and pseudo-documentary style gives it a distinctive tone that sets it apart from conventional Soviet comedies of the same period.
How long is The End of the World (1963)?
The End of the World has a runtime of 85 minutes (1 hour and 25 minutes). The film was produced by Gorky Film Studios and released in the Soviet Union on June 24, 1963, under the original Russian title Конец света.
More About The End of the World
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