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Review

A dazzling Russian film, The Thief features three vulnerable characters, and the tenuous bonds that form between them as they struggle for survival under Stalin's regime. Writer-director Chukhrai has crafted a throwback to the melodramas of early Soviet cinema. Yet The Thief is never cloying or sentimental; its realism and solid performances are its stregths. Katya (Rednikova) is a young woman travelling by train with her six-year-old son Sanya (Philipchuk). When they meet Toljan (Mashkov), a soldier, Katya instantly falls in love, and Sanya is thrilled to get a father figure. However, Toljan soon reveals himself to be a thief, and perceptions change within this makeshift family. What makes Chukhrai's film so haunting is the way the mother and son each confront being betrayed. Mashkov is incredibly captivating as Toljan, and his allure is the film's backbone. Despite its heavy subject matter, the film still has moments of real humor and charm. But don't be fooled, The Thief ultimately packs an emotional wallop.