An Ordinary Miracle

An Ordinary Miracle (1979) is a captivating Russian romantic comedy film directed by the esteemed Mark Zakharov. This enchanting movie features an engaging cast including Oleg Yankovskiy as the bear, Irina Kupchenko as the princess, and Evgeniy Leonov as the wizard. This film is a perfect blend of fantasy, comedy, romance, drama, and musical elements that transcend the traditional realm of filmmaking.

The narrative begins in a fictional kingdom fraught with enchantment and whimsy. The story revolves around a wizard, portrayed by the exceptionally talented Evgeniy Leonov, who revels in sporadically realizing miracles in his kingdom. Yet, these miracles are not significant, grandiose acts that influence the paradigm of existence but are ordinary miracles integral to mould the course of life in memorable ways. The wizard, in his pursuit of spreading happiness across his kingdom, decides to prepare for a new marvel.

The wizard acts upon a novel idea - transforming a forest-dwelling bear into a young and handsome man, portrayed by Oleg Yankovskiy. The narrative gears towards excitement as this young man is flung into the courtly circles of the kingdom, especially when he catches the eye of the kingdom’s beautiful yet melancholic princess, played by Irina Kupchenko. Significant drama ensues as this newfound romantic interest complicates their lives considering the handsome man’s secret - the fact that his true identity is a bear enchanted by the wizard.

Leonov delivers a spellbinding performance as the mastermind wizard, setting in motion a series of dramatic transformations and humorous situations, but the wizard is not portrayed as a god; he too is subject to a set of rules - he can make magic occur, but he cannot control its outcome. On the other hand, Yankovskiy gives a delightful performance as the bear-turned-handsome man, his feelings of love for the princess mixing with anxiety over his true identity. Kupchenko is equally enthralling as the young princess. Her portrayal of a woman in the throes of first love carries authenticity and emotional depth, making her a standout.

The film skillfully taps into an array of genres - from fantasy to romance - while remaining authentic and engaging. The romantic narrative merges beautifully with the comedic undertones, making the film an engrossing watch without appearing disjointed. The originality of the story, combined with the relatable struggles of the characters - the desire for love, acceptance, and understanding - make An Ordinary Miracle relatable on a human level, even though it is a story deeply entrenched in fantasy.

Zakharov has created an innovative film that defies typical cliches and norms associated with the fantasy genre. He weaves universal elements of human emotions, desires, dilemmas and predicaments into a narrative set against the backdrop of fantasy and magic. The result is a unique movie that basks in the realm of miraculous fantasy while retaining an ordinary heartbeat at its core.

Apart from blistering performances and a captivating narrative, An Ordinary Miracle also impresses with its music. Song numbers punctuate the film, adding to the charm and whimsy of the fairy-tale world, while also driving the narrative in unforgettable ways. The magic of the songs matches the magic of the wizard, leaving the viewers spell-bound and invested in the story.

Furthermore, the film’s cinematography is exquisite, enhancing the world-building in the film while creating distinct atmospheres for each scene. Whether it's illustrating the charm of the royal court or the ethereal beauty of the wizard’s enclave, An Ordinary Miracle shines in its visual representations.

To summarize, An Ordinary Miracle is a delightful treat that intertwines elements of fantasy, drama, comedy, and romance into a beautifully shot film. Its unique narrative, nuanced performances, enchanting music, and stunning visuals result in a cinematic gem that holds universal themes within an extraordinary setting. Despite its release in 1979, it remains timeless and inviting to a broad audience spectrum for its humanity. So whether you’re an ardent cinephile or just a casual viewer seeking a different, charming and original watch, An Ordinary Miracle has something to offer everyone.