Cast
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Vladimir Vysotsky
as Gleb Zheglov
Vladimir Konkin
as Vladimir Sharapov
Sergei Yursky
as Gruzdev
Viktor Pavlov
as Levchenko
Natalya Fateeva
as Sobolevskaya
Leonid Kuravlyov
as "Smoked"
Svetlana Svetlichnaya
as Nadya
Aleksandr Belyavskiy
as Yevgeni Fox
Evgeniy Evstigneev
as Ruchnikov
Armen Dzhigarkhanyan
as "Hunchback"
Natalya Danilova
as
Valeriya Zaklunnaya
as Klavdiya
Zinoviy Gerdt
as Bomze
Yevgeni Shutov
as Pankov
Lev Perfilov
as Гриша Ушивин
Crew
Director
- Stanislav Govorukhin
Writer
- Georgiy Vayner
- Arkadiy Vayner
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Crime/Mystery/TV Movie film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed distinguishes itself through its exceptional pacing and meaningful stakes for its protagonists.
Director Stanislav Govorukhin 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1979, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 359 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 392 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1979, when this film was released:
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Uncharted: Eye of Indra, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines and Der Mann mit der Maske explore similar territory, The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 11, 1979
- Runtime: 5h 59m
