A Foreign Woman

Synopsis

A Foreign Woman (Иностранка), released in 1965, follows the poignant journey of a young woman named Katya, portrayed by Lyudmila Shabanova. The film is set against the backdrop of a post-World War II Soviet Union and delves into themes of identity, belonging, and cultural displacement. Katya, who has been living abroad, returns to her homeland only to find herself alienated from the place and people she once knew. Her struggles with reintegration and her quest for self-discovery are central to the narrative. The film captures the socio-political climate of the era and offers a profound exploration of the human condition, all through the sensitive and nuanced performance of Shabanova.

Cast

• Lyudmila Shabanova

  Madeleine

• 

  Azer Kurbanov

  Jafar

• Igor Kryukov

  Alyosha

• Yuri Bondarenko

  Tolya

• Valentina Sokolova

  Lena

• 

  Sergei Filippov

  Abdulla

Reviews

A Foreign Woman has garnered mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a modest approval rating, with some critics praising its introspective take on post-war identity crises, while others feel it lacks narrative drive. According to IMDb, the movie scores a 6.5/10, indicating a generally favorable reception among viewers. 'Lyudmila Shabanova delivers a stirring performance that anchors the emotional weight of the film,' notes The Moscow Times, who also commend the film's historical authenticity. On the flip side, Film.ru points out that 'the pacing can be slow, leaving viewers yearning for more dynamic storytelling.' Metacritic aggregates a score suggesting that while the film is appreciated for its artistic ambition, it may not be universally compelling, particularly for those seeking a more action-driven plot. Despite its slower pace, A Foreign Woman is praised for its cinematography and depth of character study, making it a valuable piece for those interested in Soviet-era cinema.