Love and Pigeons

The 1984 Soviet lyrical comedy directed by Vladimir Menshov, based on the screenplay by Vladimir Gurkin from his 1981 play of the same name, tells the story of Vasily Kuzya kin (Alexander Mikhailov), a forestry worker passionate about breeding pigeons. He lives in a rural area with his wife Nadezhda (Nina Doroshina) and their three children: eldest daughter Lyuda, who returned from the city after a failed marriage; son Lyonya, a forestry technical school student; and youngest daughter Olya, her father's favorite. Nadezhda, possessing a quarrelsome nature, often reproaches her husband for his pigeon hobby, considering it a frivolous activity. The Kuzya kins' neighbors are an elderly couple—Baba Shura and Uncle Mitya (Sergei Yursky), whose family also experiences conflicts. One day, Vasily sustains a work injury and receives a seaside rehabilitation voucher. At the resort, he meets Raisa Zakharovna (Lyudmila Gurchenko), a personnel department employee interested in esotericism. They begin an affair, and upon returning from the resort, Vasily decides to stay with Raisa, informing his family in a letter. Nadezhda has a hysterical reaction, and the children are upset with their father, especially Lyonya, who threatens to kill him upon meeting. Vasily and Raisa's life together doesn't work out due to differences in character and social standing. Vasily misses his family and eventually leaves Raisa, living in a riverside hut. Over time, Nadezhda realizes her mistakes and forgives her husband. They start meeting secretly, fearing their son's and villagers' reactions. Upon learning of Nadezhda's pregnancy, Vasily returns home, and the family reunites as Lyonya prepares to join the army. The film received the "Golden Ladle" award at the International Comedy Film Festival in Torremolinos in 1985 and remains beloved by audiences for its warm humor and heartfelt portrayal of family relationships.