Skip to main content

The Asthenic Syndrome (1989)


The Asthenic Syndrome is a 1989 Soviet drama film directed by Kira Muratova. It is the sixth feature film directed by Muratova, and arguably her masterpiece, most important film and best known film. The film was entered into the 40th Berlin International Film Festival where it won the Silver Bear - Special Jury Prize. It won the 1991 Nika Award in Russia. In the list of the hundred best Ukrainian films according to film critics, compiled in 2021, the film takes 6th place. The film caused a mixed reaction from critics and the party leadership of the country. Released in limited release. The first Soviet film in which obscene language was used.

In the old days it was called hypochrondria, or black melancholia. Now, apparently, it's termed the Asthenic Syndrome. Whatever it is, Nikolai, a teacher has got it, and it's not much fun.

Freddy and Krasnaya Movie Review
***SPOILER ALERT***

K: Well, we watched the last film by Kira Muratova, chosen for our theme week - The Asthenic Syndrome. It's like a movie within a movie. In the first part, black and white, or rather dirty brown, is the story of a woman who buried her loved one, in the second, colored, or rather pale color, is the story of a teacher who, after a deep nervous shock, falls asleep on the go.

F: Hiya! You just gave away the most surprising moment of this movie! I wasn't expecting at all that transition to color after watching the 4 previous movies by Kira Muratova. For a 1989 Soviet movie, I think this scene was really outstanding and humorous. I can't remember a movie doing it before 1989, but I'm sure there are some. I enjoyed the first part a lot. The feelings and actions of Natalia (Olga Antonova) were interesting to follow. Even while touching Muratova's favorite subject, "death", it was very soft and light in comparison with the second part of the movie.

Asthenic Syndrome Bus
Beautiful shot.
K: Kira Muratova, it seems to me, was able, with the help of unusual cinematic techniques, to show the absurdity and hopelessness of life at the turn of eras. Around aggression, terrible poverty, dullness, homeless animals in the slaughterhouse, ugly, poorly dressed people... If I had not lived in the 90s in our country, I would have decided that Muratova invented all this and that is why the film left me with so much sadness. I constantly scrolled in my head the question of how my family was able to survive this time and remain indifferent. Probably because Kira Muratova does not sign the most severe sentence for each individual person, in this film, there is a place for mercy both to man and to animal.

F: I was able to draw some laughs from the Nikolai (Sergei Popov) story, but mostly I found dread in it. It was psychologically uncomfortable to watch the lives of people go by. The late years of soviet society are portrayed as a mad house with no hope at all. Sometimes it feels like we are watching a documentary in Muratova's movies. We can't separate fact from fiction. We can't understand if the people on screen are real actors or just ordinary folk. I also can't find out where the movie was filmed. Which city and subway stations are we seeing? Maybe it's not supposed for us to know, and understand that the Soviet Union wouldn't differ much from place to place.

Shakespeare Asthenic Syndrome
My favorite comedy moment. See it below our ratings.
K: I can't say that almost everyone should watch this movie. But in any case, having decided to watch it, get ready not for a relaxing moment, but for serious work.

F: This movie is heavy. I couldn't understand half of it. People speak too fast sometimes and they just pour out a sea of information on top of you while you are still thinking about the previous scene. Hell, as a non-Russian speaker, I would say that most Kira Muratova movies need at least 3 to 4 visualizations to understand half of it! These are movies that need to be studied so they're not made for easy-going cinema viewers. This movie in particular had a scene that just elevated it to a whole new level and brought me an ineffable feeling. That's the scene with the dogs. After all the tragicomedy witnessed previously, when this comes in, it hits hard like a hammer. To all cinema lovers and students, Kira Muratova's movies are a must watch. She will mess you up with her unique surrealism and confusing hyperreality. That's it for this week's theme. I think I'm going to miss Muratova's usual cast; they were becoming like a family. Be sure to check with us on Monday to find out which movies we are watching next week.

Soviet Boobies Compilation
Kira left us a boobies compilation for our collection!
Freddy's Score: 65/100
Krasnaya's Score: 45/100

FINAL SCORE

MOM, WHO'S SHAKESPEARE?

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Flow (2024)

Plot Summary: A stray cat navigates a post-apocalyptic flood, forming unexpected bonds with other animals as they struggle to survive in an ever-changing world. Without dialogue or anthropomorphism, the film delivers an emotional journey of resilience and adaptation. Director: Gints Zilbalodis Producer: MatÄ«ss KaĹľa, Gints Zilbalodis, Ron Dyens, Gregory Zalcman Screenplay: Gints Zilbalodis, MatÄ«ss KaĹľa Starring: No voice cast (dialogue-free film)   ***SPOILER ALERT*** A Video Game or a Movie? And we’re back! Still haven’t finished my Frank Oz filmography (only two movies to go!), but hey, when do I even have time to watch movies alone anymore? So, here we are again with another animated feature. This time, it’s Flow by Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis, a film that has racked up awards and was entirely made using Blender. At first, I was worried. The opening scene ...

A Quick Hiatus, But I've Got an Exciting Offer for You!

Hey everyone, I hope you're all doing well! I just wanted to drop in and let you know that unfortunately, I won't be able to keep up with the movie reviews for a while. The reason? I've just launched my brand-new website (which is super exciting!), and right now, I'm putting all my energy into building my business and helping clients. I've got my hands full, but I'll be back with movie reviews soon enough! I appreciate your understanding and patience. That being said, if you're thinking about starting your own business, I've got an offer that might just be the push you need to get things rolling! Have you thought about starting your own business? How about a free website to finally turn that idea into reality? At SOS Design, we're offering a One Page website valued at $863 to help entrepreneurs like you take their first step online! 🔹 Entries open until April 30th 🎉 Winner announced on May 1st! Don't miss this opportunity! Participate now...

King of the Children (1987)

Plot Summary: Set during China's Cultural Revolution, The King of Children tells the story of Lao Gan, an educated youth sent to a remote village in the Yunnan-Guizhou region to work as a teacher. Director: Chen Kaige Producers: Xi'An Film Studio Screenplay: Adapted from Ah Cheng's novella with the same name Starring: Xie Yuan as Lao Gan Chen Shaohua as Principal Chen Yang Xuewen as Wang Fu   ***SPOILER ALERT*** Jumping Into Chinese Cinema Blindfolded Hey everyone. So, back in January, the internet had a little moment, and suddenly, millions of Americans rushed to a Chinese social media app called Red Note. I got curious, joined in, and ended up discovering a whole new world of culture thanks to some incredibly welcoming Chinese users. Naturally, I decided to ask for movie recommendations, and wow, they flooded in. But despite all the amazing suggestion...

Robot Dreams (2023)

Plot Summary: In 1980s NYC, a lonely dog buys a robot for companionship. After an accident separates them, both embark on journeys of longing, growth, and self-discovery, leading to an emotional conclusion. Director: Pablo Berger Producer: Arcadia Motion Pictures, Noodles Production, Les Films du Worso Screenplay: Pablo Berger (based on the graphic novel by Sara Varon) Starring: No voice cast (dialogue-free film)   ***SPOILER ALERT*** A Robot, A Dog, and a Lot of Feelings Another Sunday, another animated movie—this time, the critically acclaimed Robot Dreams, an adaptation of the book by Sara Varon. Right off the bat, this animation stands out with its slick flat-color style and complete lack of dialogue. It creates a beautifully detailed world where there’s always something to miss on the first watch. Set in a vibrant 1980s New York City populated by hundreds of ...

The Score (2001)

Plot Summary: Nick Wells, a veteran safe-cracker ready to retire and settle with his girlfriend Diane, is pulled into one last heist by his fence Max. Partnered with ambitious thief Jack Teller, they aim to steal a priceless French scepter from the Montreal Customs House, facing tension, trust issues, and betrayal. Director: Frank Oz Producers: Gary Foster, Lee Rich Screenplay: Kario Salem (story and screenplay), Daniel E. Taylor (story), Lem Dobbs, Scott Marshall Smith Starring: Robert De Niro as  Nick Wells Edward Norton as Jack Teller/Brian Marlon Brando as Max,  Angela Bassett as Diane   ***SPOILER ALERT*** A Heist Worth the Hype Finally got around to continuing my Frank Oz film journey, and tonight’s pick was The Score. A two-hour-and-forty-minute heist flick that I had been saving for when I had some serious s...

10 Lives (2024)

Plot Summary: Beckett, a spoiled and selfish housecat, takes his nine lives for granted. After recklessly losing his final life, he is granted ten more—but with a catch. Director: Chris Jenkins Producers: Karen Wengrod, Ken Cinnamon, Ash Brannon, Ernesto Matamoros, Leland Cox Screenplay: Chris Jenkins, Karen Wengrod, Ken Cinnamon Starring: Mo Gilligan as Beckett Simone Ashley as Rose Ashley Sophie Okonedo as Grace Zayn Malik as Kirk and Cameron Dylan Llewellyn as Larry Llewellyn Jeremy Swift as Happy Bill Nighy as Professor Richard Craven   ***SPOILER ALERT*** Nine Lives Too Many Saturday afternoon with 10 Lives, directed by Christopher Jenkins. Jenkins has been in animation since at least 1988, starting as an effects animator on Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Now he brings us this 2024 film about Beckett, a selfish cat who loses his las...