What Else Men Talk About

What Else Men Talk About is a 2011 Russian language film, directed by Dmitriy Dyachenko. Just like its predecessor, Men Talk About, this film is a brilliant comedy-drama that serves as an unwavering testament to friendship, love, and the age-old issues that men find themselves discussing whenever they get together.

The film continues to follow the lives of four friends - Lyosha, Sasha, Kamil, and Slava, who navigate the challenges and perks of everyday life. As the title suggests, What Else Men Talk About does not go on to tell a singular story, but instead, it threads together several daily life scenarios, comic instances, and profound moments in which these men find themselves conversing on just about everything - work problems, sports, the unpredictability of women, and the sweet and sour experiences of life and love.

Character development plays a crucial role in the film. All main characters have their specific quirks, generating a variety of humorous and thoughtful conversations that strike a chord with the audience. While Slava is the sentimental and philosophical figure who is constantly in search of life's deeper meaning, Lyosha tends to be more practical and sees life as it is. Sasha is the hyper-emotional one, his outrageous stories adding hilarity to their get-togethers, and lastly, Kamil, the outsider, gives an extra flavour to the conversations with his unique perspective acquired from his diverse cultural experiences.

Maintaining the same broad strokes of Men Talk About, the movie delves deeper into the psyches of these four friends while keeping its comedic roots intact and not letting it turn into a brooding social commentary. The dialogues are still witty, the interactions just as hilarious, and the characters just as lovable. The scriptwriters keep the themes relatable to viewers across cultures, despite the film being in the Russian language.

The brilliance of What Else Men Talk About lies in its simplicity. The film doesn't focus on producing extravagant locations or high-intensity drama, but instead, it channels all its energy towards dialogues and the characters themselves. Most of the movie is shot in a train cabin where the four friends are travelling together, which turns out to be a metaphorical representation of their life's journey. As the scenic landscape whizzes past them, the film unravels the many dimensions of these men's lives, all the while depicting the strength of their bond and camaraderie.

Furthermore, the cinematography deserves an appreciative nod. The angles and shots taken inside the train beautifully encapsulate the essence of conversations and reactions of the characters, making the viewing experience more immersive. The aesthetics of the fast-changing scenes are in harmony with the dynamic pace of the characters' dialogues

The casting choice is commendable in this sequel as well. The chemistry amongst actors (Leonid Barats, Rostislav Khait, Kamil Larin, and Aleksandr Demidov) is vibrant and infectious, and every scene they feature in reeks of authenticity. The natural ease and rapport they share, makes it easier for the audience to relate to the characters and their narratives.

The film also strikes a perfect balance in its approach to both comedy and drama. Although the film is filled with moments of laughter and hilarity, it does not shy away from heavier, real-life issues. It tackles themes such as love, heartbreak, friendship, and existential crises with a delicate mix of humor and realism.

In conclusion, What Else Men Talk About is a cleverly scripted, brilliantly acted, and well-executed blend of comedy and drama that doesn’t fail to entertain. It touches upon everyday situations and unwinds the thoughts that go on in men's heads, making it an excellent watch for those who like well-written humor interspersed with poignant moments. The film successfully continues the compelling narrative of the first film, keeping its essence alive while bringing on board more laughter, a tinge of drama, and an abundance of timeless wisdom. For anyone who enjoyed Men Talk About, this sequel is an unmissable cinematic journey.