Elki Novye

Elki Novye is a vibrant and enthralling Russian comedy-drama film released in 2017. The movie closely mirrors the unique cinematic style of its predecessor, the wildly popular film series ‘Elki’. However, 'Elki Novye' or 'New Year Trees' is not a direct continuation of the older series but a similar vein of parallel storylines, humorous episodes, and heartwarming morality tales, all running around the theme of New Year Eve.

The movie is directed by Timur Bekmambetov and Yaroslav Chevazhevskiy performs the duties in the narrative section, embodying the franchise's classic World Domination trademark. The cinematography is praiseworthy, and the movie showcases Russia's stunning landscapes, urban streetscapes, and the delicate twinkling lights of Christmas in the city landscapes.

In the ensemble cast, Ivan Urgant, Sergey Svetlakov, and Elena Plaksina shine, each with their colorful and unique roles. They manage to bring out the complexity and diversity of Russian daily lives and habits through their performances and offer light-hearted entertainment to the audience.

The magic of 'Elki Novye' lies in its episodic structure, where different, seemingly unrelated stories are thoughtfully woven into one cohesive tapestry. These parallel narratives form a heartwarming reminder of unity and the shared human experience in times of joy. Each narrative revolves around individual characters and their unique struggles and transformations. Wandering through the storyline, they all somehow find themselves under the enchanting spirit of the impending New Year's celebration.

Relatable, raw, and incredibly influential, these characters confront various challenges – from unrequited love to struggles with personal ambitions, conflicts with family values to the simple pursuit of joy. Each of the plotlines is unpredictable and filled with numerous ups and downs. Still, they all converge towards the same coveted resolution – understanding and cherishing the true essence of love, peace, and unity during the holiday season.

'Elki Novye', while structured around the celebration of New Year's Eve, dives deep into the characters' lives, making this movie much more than a seasonal film. It crafts narratives surrounding real human emotions and the power of familial bonds, highlighting unity in diversity – a theme truly resonating with Russia's multiethnic and multicultural society.

The film does not shy away from including certain social realities, while still maintaining its primary identity as a comedy. The inclusion of these moments echoes, reflects, and even critiques some societal norms and expectations. In doing this, the film demonstrates the different struggles of existing within society, while also delighting and heartening viewers with the infectious optimism of its characters.

'Elki Novye' scores highly on technical elements as well. The cinematography, editing, and sound design have all been executed to perfection. The film's vibrant visuals accompanied by a stirring, emotive score help induce moments of laughter, tears, surprise, and a heartfelt connection ability to resonate emotionally with viewers. Moreover, the compact editing ensures that each episode gets the right runtime, allowing viewers to remain engaged throughout the film without feeling the drag.

Combining comedy and drama, the film paints an endearing and entertaining portrait of diverse lives, highlighting the underlying interconnectedness of their stories and their reflections on their struggles, ambitions, dreams, and joys during the holiday season. From its character development and storytelling to its production value and social relevance, 'Elki Novye' stands as a lively, relatable, and wonderfully realized cinematic experience worth witnessing.

Overall, Elki Novye is a heartwarming comedy-drama that uses its rich tapestry of interconnected stories to offer a refreshing and entertaining perspective on life. With its stunning visuals, engaging narratives, and memorable characters, it is indeed a treat for cinema lovers and fans of the Elki film franchise who seek to experience the invigorating spirit of a Russian New Year celebration.