Brian T. Whitlock (GOWBTW) Different movies would make a big buff out of you. Especially when they come from other countries. I've always had a craving for Russian films, with Mermaid, it can be perfect for people with big imaginations. Here you have a girl name Alice(Masha Shalayeva) who went through childhood going through different stages of life. When she was a young girl, she wanted to be a ballerina. That fell through because of her mother's indecisiveness. Whenever she had a man who wasn't her father, she would set fire to the place she lived. Going through silent stages, she makes everyone think she has a handicap. By the time she was older, she got through some things by chance, especially when one student dies in a freak accident. Then there was the time she left the house, and jumped in a saved him from drowning. After that, she fell in love with him, not knowing he was already taken. She saw the action between him and his girl, she said the same thing, only without causing arson. Alice made changes in her appearance and she still uses her imagination to fulfill her dreams. She may have the imagination, but her determination makes her relentless to the world. This movie makes some sense, and it gives some meaning throughout. I enjoyed it very much. I owe it all to Sundance. 5 Stars!

L. Lion Mermaid (Rusalka in Russian) is a cross between Ghost World, Amelie, and The Tin Drum, from a post Soviet perspective. Alisa is a girl from a small seaside town who never knew her father. Trauma at an early age makes her decide to become mute. She also learns that she has the ability to make her wishes come true. When her family moves from the countryside to Moscow, her horizons are broadened - she grapples with depression, falls in love with a handsome, rich con artist, and begins to see life differently.The story could feel aimless, since Alisa only reacts and there is no outward motivating force pushing the plot into motion, but the script by writer-director Anna Melikyan never lets us worry about that. It shows the strangeness of modern Moscow through the eyes of a very strange girl. The lead, played by Maria Shalaeva, is remarkably expressive as a mute. When she finally begins talking (because she has fallen in love) she becomes even more of a force on screen.Her introduction to Moscow and the jobs she works (as a walking cellphone advertisement, then, when that costume is destroyed during a soccer riot, a walking stein of beer) are beautiful commentaries on society and her life. Aleksandr, the man she falls in love with is a walking contradiction - very successful, very sleazy, very handsome, and totally self-destructive. Saving his life from a suicide attempt (which he doesn't even remember) she is drawn into his world and comes into contact with her first romantic competition - Irina Skrinichenko as Rita, a woman so beautiful her presence by itself is intimidating. How could plain Alisa win Aleksandr with women like Rita around? How Alisa and Aleksandr bond, and the result of magic spells cast by both Rita and Alisa together (not knowing at the time that they yearn for the same man) give the film a lightness in what would otherwise be a very bleak tale. The film also includes one of the funniest scenes of romantic betrayal in many, many a moon.I am so glad I caught this film. Anna Melikyan is a filmmaker to watch. If you like whimsical, bittersweet romance, this will be your cup of tea.

jim of st michel This beautiful picture represents the loveliest trend of the modern Russian cinema (that largely consists of cheap action movies and lachrymose dramas) - a definite piece of art and a work of an Author, a story that truthfully and painfully reflects city life from the confused point of view of an outsider, dreamer, youngster. "Rusalka" is often compared to "Progulka" (2003) and "Piter FM" (2006), as in this respect these films are kindred to "Rusalka", never mentioning the fact that they all star Yevgeni Tsyganov - the new Russian Gael García Bernal type. However, watching "Rusalka" aches more than two before-mentioned pictures, for it doesn't lie for the sake of good mood. "Rusalka" is sometimes also called "Amélie Poulain in Moscow" because of the expressive and charming character of the heroine who believes that life is a beautiful and never-ending mystery; however, "Rusalka" goes farther than "Amélie", openly showing that City is not only a place of romance and unexpected adventures, but in fact a get-together of very very lonely people who find each other to remain alone. "Such things do happen in megapoles. Seriously, no big deal. Such things do happen." This might hurt.

Vjacheslav Anisimov (kajfash) This film is one more must see Film! I saw trailer few month before and realized that it could be a good film. So it started from 22 Nov in the Ukraine's cinema. This film type is Drama but there are lot of fun issues and new ideas. I was impressed as Mariya Shalayeva play Alisa and as you can see from awards list she won 'Best Actress' award at Sochi. I'm skeptic to the Russian films but this is one more film after which I had impression for the next 2 days. I want to write about this now! It exceed my expectations! I recommend this film for any people ages except children's! And I'm waiting next films from Mariya Shalayeva and Anna Melikyan. I hope they will be great too!