description A Cruel Romance Overview
“A Cruel Romance” is a 1984 Soviet drama based on Alexander Ostrovsky’s “Without a Dowry.” The film, directed by Eldar Ryazanov, presents a tragic love story set against the backdrop of societal expectations in the 1980s. It features Larisa Guzeyeva as one of several characters navigating complex family and romantic pressures. This adaptation is part of a series stemming back to a 1937 version and remains notable for its exploration of themes concerning class, marriage, and personal sacrifice within the Soviet Union’s cultural landscape. It appeals to viewers interested in historical dramas and stories focused on interpersonal relationships.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
info A Cruel Romance Specifications
| Country | Soviet Union |
| Year | 1984 |
help A Cruel Romance FAQ
What play is A Cruel Romance based on?
A Cruel Romance adapts Alexander Ostrovsky's play Without a Dowry. Eldar Ryazanov turned the material into a 1984 Soviet film centered on Larisa Dmitrievna and the social pressure around marriage and money.
Who plays Larisa and Paratov in A Cruel Romance?
Larisa Guzeeva plays Larisa, the young woman at the center of the story. Nikita Mikhalkov plays Sergei Paratov, whose return disrupts Larisa's already fragile prospects.
Why are the songs in A Cruel Romance so remembered?
The film uses romances and musical numbers to heighten Larisa's longing and humiliation. Andrey Petrov composed the score, and the songs became closely associated with Ryazanov's 1984 version.
Is A Cruel Romance the only film version of Without a Dowry?
No, Ostrovsky's play had been filmed before, including an earlier Soviet adaptation by Yakov Protazanov. Ryazanov's version is the one most strongly associated with Larisa Guzeeva and Nikita Mikhalkov.
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