I Am Twenty

I Am Twenty is a significant cinematic masterpiece in Russian film history. Directed by Marlen Khutsiev in 1965, a period of Khrushchev Thaw in the USSR, this film forms a narrative thread representative of that era's changing sociopolitical scene, taking the viewers on an emotional roller coaster.

Starring Valentin Popov, Nikolay Gubenko, and Stanislav Lyubshin, the film is a profound character study of three young men - Sergey, Nikolay, and Slava, who are entering adulthood in Moscow. Newly discharged from the army, they are trying to decipher what kind of men they want to be in a world that is rapidly transforming around them. I Am Twenty offers a nuanced exploration of youth's dilemmas, their dreams, and the challenges they face, shaping a vivid portrait of the young Soviet generation of the 1960s.

Sergey (Valentin Popov), the protagonist, is an aspiring writer. His character embodies a romantic, an idealist who is both in love with the prospects of his future and struggling with the realities of his present. Popov's portrayal of a young man in creative and existential crisis is heart-wrenching, making him a relatable figure for anyone who has ever grappled with finding their path in life.

Nikolay (Nikolay Gubenko) and Slava (Stanislav Lyubshin), Sergey's comrades, each have their personal narratives, which mirror and contrast Sergey's journey. Nikolay, a factory worker with a pragmatist outlook, appears relatively satisfied with his routine life, while Slava, who is working at a geological institute, enjoys intellectual challenges but is also drawn towards material comforts.

Set against the backdrop of bustling Moscow, the film captures the early days of burgeoning Soviet urbanization. Amidst this transformation, I Am Twenty meticulously explores both the external cityscape and the internal landscape of its characters' consciousness as it swiftly moves between reality and dreams, memories and experiences, creating a narrative structure that is powerful and poignant.

Of particular mention is Khutsiev's distinct cinematic style. Cinematographer Margarita Pilikhina's black and white imagery instills in viewers a sense of poetic intimacy that aligns perfectly with these soulful character studies. The film also employs elements of cinema verité and Italian neorealism, while the dialogues are philosophical and profound, reflecting the deeper social dilemmas that the characters are experiencing.

Issues of love, friendship, identity, ideology, morality, ambition, and ethical choices are all effectively explored in the movie. Its emotional depth and social commentary highlight the characters' struggles to find personal and philosophical meaning in their lives, showing how the personal is inexorably intertwined with the socio-political.

The film not only captures the inner world of its characters, but it also exhibits with a great deal of sensitivity the generational divide that was becoming visible in the Soviet Union of that time. It illustrated the clash between the value systems of the war generation and the aspirations of the new, younger generation – the 'children of the Thaw period.' Therefore, I Am Twenty becomes a film about change, about the transition from old to new with all its accompanying contradictions and tensions.

The film was initially released as 'Leninsky Komsomol' but faced censorship for its critical outlook and was consequently delayed. However, Marlen Khutsiev resubmitted a reedited version of the film as 'I Am Twenty' in 1965, which received critical acclaim and is still celebrated for its delicate portrayal of the human condition and emblematic signification of a significant phase in Soviet history.

In conclusion, I Am Twenty is a film that presents an honest and insightful journey into the lives of its characters and the historical context they inhabit. It stands as a landmark in Russian cinema and continues to offer invaluable insights into a crucial era of Soviet history. It's an essential watch for anyone interested in understanding how youth perceive, grapple with, and shape transformations in society while searching for personal growth and fulfillment.