An Ordinary Man

Synopsis

"An Ordinary Man" (1957), originally titled "Обыкновенный человек," is a Soviet drama film directed by Yevgeny Tashkov and starring Vasili Merkuryev. The film portrays the life of a humble, hardworking individual navigating the complexities of Soviet society. Through a series of personal and social challenges, the protagonist embodies the struggles and resilience of the common man, highlighting themes of dignity, perseverance, and moral integrity amid changing times. The narrative offers a poignant and subdued reflection on everyday life and human values in mid-20th-century Soviet Union, subtly exploring the tensions between individual identity and societal expectations.

Cast

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  Vasili Merkuryev

  Ladygin

• 

  Irina Skobtseva

  Kira

• 

  Georgiy Kulikov

  Aleksei

• 

  Evgeniya Kozyreva

  Vera Artemyevna

• 

  Serafima Birman

  Konstantsiya

• 

  Pyotr Konstantinov

  Svekolkin

Reviews

Critical reception of "An Ordinary Man" reflects a generally positive appreciation for its authentic portrayal of Soviet life and Merkuryev's compelling performance. On IMDb, the film holds a respectable rating of 7.1/10, indicating favorable audience engagement, especially among viewers interested in classic Soviet cinema. While the film does not have extensive coverage on major English-language review platforms like Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic, it is often praised in retrospectives for its understated storytelling and emotional depth. Critics note Merkuryev's subtle acting as a highlight, bringing nuance and humanity to a character defined by ordinariness. However, some modern viewers may find the pacing slow compared to contemporary films, and the film's ideological context can feel somewhat dated. Nonetheless, "An Ordinary Man" remains a significant work that provides insight into the cultural and social fabric of its time, appreciated for its realism and thoughtful character study.

See also

Old Man Junior

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Cosmic Chaos

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