Set in mid-1980s Soviet Union, My Dad Is Baryshnikov is a winsome coming-of-age story, helmed by Dmitry Povolotsky and starring the prolific actors, Vladimir Kapustin and Anatoliy Kot. The film artfully interweaves elements of drama, history, and comedy, delivering insightful observations into the conditions of that epoch in Russia through the lens of a ballet-obsessed teenager who hilariously claims his father is the world-famous ballet dancer, Mikhail Baryshnikov.

The protagonist is Borya Fishkin, portrayed by Dmitry Vyskubenko, a short and indistinct boy with lanky limbs which he tries to control with grace. Vladimir Kapustin effectively takes on the role of Borya’s ballet instructor, an experienced but severe professional who struggles to help his obviously average student improve. He demands not just dance practice from Borya, but complete performance perfection. This often translates into grueling training sessions and harsh, yet funny, classroom moments which add a significant amount of dramatic tension to the narrative.

Anatoliy Kot presents a refreshing addition to the story in the role of Borya’s feckless father, a valiant man who earnestly tries to make a living under the Soviet rule's trying economic conditions. While hints are dropped about the chaotic circumstances in his father's life, what shapes Borya's relationships within the family remain delicately obscured under a layer of the script's innocent humor and poignant nostalgia.

The film’s tone is set in a ballet school in Moscow, where Borya is both fascinated and humiliated by the world of ballet. Looking up to the Western world and its ballet icon Mikhail Baryshnikov, he starts dreaming that his biological father is none other than the international ballet superstar himself. Borya’s fantasies of Baryshnikov is a manifestation of his escapist tendencies, cleverly demonstrating the widespread Western fascination that prevailed in Russia during that era.

The fun begins when Borya takes his absurd claim about his father at face value. Emboldened by the reactions his lie garners, Borya gains new confidence, attempting to transform himself from worse to better, or at least from ordinary to extraordinary. His classmates start to respect him, and Borya starts to believe his life is changing for the better. What follows is an enthralling rendition of a young boy trying to grapple with the realities of life with audacious dreams, innocent charm, and a burgeoning sense of self.

Apart from its intelligent storyline, My Dad is Baryshnikov also stands out for its impeccable production design with genuine aesthetics of the 1980s Soviet Union. This creates a captivating backdrop, immersing the audience in the lives of the characters while reconstructing an era characterized by political rigidity and cultural disparities.

Povolotsky’s direction offers a brilliant palette of emotions, leading us through humorous sequences while retaining the poignancy of the complex situations faced by the characters. The performances of the actors, including Kapustin and Kot, add depth to the narrative, and the dance sequences delightfully peppered throughout the film further enrich the viewing experience.

Ultimately, My Dad is Baryshnikov is an inviting and warm tale of dream, deception and discovery – a layered narrative enriched with strong performances, authentic settings, and a heartfelt exploration of the dreams and sacrifices enacted in the pursuit of personal transformation. Packed with vibrant characters, the film sparkles with humor, history, and a dash of Soviet nostalgia, making it an entertaining watch.