But What If This Is Love?

Synopsis

But What If This Is Love? (А если это любовь?), directed by Yuli Raizman and starring Zhanna Prokhorenko, is a poignant Soviet drama from 1961 that explores the delicate emotions and challenges of first love among teenagers. The film follows the story of Ksenia, a high school student navigating the often confusing and intense feelings that come with young romance. Set against the backdrop of a disciplined Soviet school environment, the narrative poignantly captures the misunderstandings, societal expectations, and emotional turmoil experienced by adolescents as they confront love for the first time. The film delicately portrays the innocence and vulnerability of youth while probing deeper themes of acceptance and personal growth.

Cast

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  Zhanna Prokhorenko

  Ksenia Zavyalova

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  Igor Pushkaryov

  Boris Ramzin

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  Aleksandra Nazarova

  Nadya Bragina

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  Andrey Mironov

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  Yevgeni Zharikov

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  Viktor Khokhryakov

Reviews

But What If This Is Love? holds a noteworthy place in Soviet cinema for its sincere and heartfelt exploration of adolescent love. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 7.2/10, reflecting generally positive reception among viewers who appreciate its emotional depth and authentic portrayal of youth. Critics have praised the performance of Zhanna Prokhorenko as both touching and believable, lending the film much of its emotional resonance. Some reviews highlight the film’s ability to realistically depict the societal pressures of the era without resorting to melodrama, while also offering timeless insights into teenage emotions. On Rotten Tomatoes, while this classic title does not have a formal critic score due to its vintage and relative obscurity in the west, audience scores tend to appreciate the film’s sincerity and understated storytelling. Metacritic does not have a listing for this film, but film historians often note its significance for its era and locale. Some contemporary evaluations suggest that pacing can feel slow by modern standards, but overall, the movie is commended for its thoughtful and nuanced approach to a universal subject.