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Dzhamilya

Dzhamilya (1969)

Oct 13, 1969 1h 18m War Drama Romance

Based on the novel of the same name by Chinghiz Aitmatov. The action takes place during the days of World War II in one of the villages of Kyrgyzstan. The famous artist Seit recalls his childhood, his first unrequited love for Dzhamilya, the wife of his older brother, and the wounded front-line soldier Daniyar, whose songs taught to notice beauty... A poetic story about love, the secrets of creation, the national customs of the Kyrgyz people.

Directed by Irina Poplavskaya

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Irina Poplavskaya
Writer
  • Chinghiz Aitmatov

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Dzhamilya examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Irina Poplavskaya brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1969, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Dzhamilya took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 78 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 112 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 1969, when this film was released:
  • Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
  • Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While Dzhamilya shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Battle: Freestyle, which focuses more on action than character development, Dzhamilya offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like In the Navel of the Sea and Candyman explore similar territory, Dzhamilya stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: October 13, 1969
  • Runtime: 1h 18m

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