House of Fools (2002)

House of Fools (2002)
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War brings together a disillusioned soldier and a sweet but delusional woman in this romantic comedy-drama from director Andrei Konchalovsky. A small Russian mental hospital near the border of Chechnya is home to a group of eccentric but harmless patients, among them Janna (Julia Vysotsky), a cheerful woman who likes to play accordion and is convinced pop singer Bryan Adams is her fiancé; over-excitable Vika (Marina Politseymako); and highly prolific would-be poet Ali (Stanislav Varkki). When fighting between Russians and Chechens flares up and bombing threatens the hospital, the doctor in charge (Vladas Bagdonas) goes out to find vehicles to evacuate his patients, briefly leaving them to their own devices. While the doctor is away, a group of Chechen soldiers happen upon the hospital, but they seemingly mean no harm to the patients, and one of them, Ahmed (Sultan Islamov), starts flirting with Janna. Janna quickly falls head over heels for Ahmed, and leaves behind her treasured Bryan Adams poster to be with him...though in her mind, Adams isn't about to give up her affections without a fight. As love grows between them, Ahmed finds himself wondering just who is supposed to be sane -- the lunatics at the hospital, or the soldiers fighting a pointless war. Bryan Adams appears as himself in Dom Durakov, and sings several songs, including his international hit "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman." ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Starring:
Bryan AdamsJulia Vysotsky, (more)
Director(s):
Andrei Konchalovsky
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD  | Digital SD
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Synopsis of House of Fools

War brings together a disillusioned soldier and a sweet but delusional woman in this romantic comedy-drama from director Andrei Konchalovsky. A small Russian mental hospital near the border of Chechnya is home to a group of eccentric but harmless patients, among them Janna (Julia Vysotsky), a cheerful woman who likes to play accordion and is convinced pop singer Bryan Adams is her fiancé; over-excitable Vika (Marina Politseymako); and highly prolific would-be poet Ali (Stanislav Varkki). When fighting between Russians and Chechens flares up and bombing threatens the hospital, the doctor in charge (Vladas Bagdonas) goes out to find vehicles to evacuate his patients, briefly leaving them to their own devices. While the doctor is away, a group of Chechen soldiers happen upon the hospital, but they seemingly mean no harm to the patients, and one of them, Ahmed (Sultan Islamov), starts flirting with Janna. Janna quickly falls head over heels for Ahmed, and leaves behind her treasured Bryan Adams poster to be with him...though in her mind, Adams isn't about to give up her affections without a fight. As love grows between them, Ahmed finds himself wondering just who is supposed to be sane -- the lunatics at the hospital, or the soldiers fighting a pointless war. Bryan Adams appears as himself in Dom Durakov, and sings several songs, including his international hit "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman." ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
108 mins

Complete Cast of House of Fools


Director(s):
Andrei Konchalovsky
Writer(s):
Andrei Konchalovsky
Producer(s):
Andrei KonchalovskyFelix Kleiman
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Nudity, Mild Violence, Adult Language)
Categories:
ComedyIndependent Films
House of Fools Awards:
  • 2002 - Venice International Film Festival - Grand Jury Prize
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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Member Reviews
 
Eva and charles A.

I'm not exactly sure why I enjoyed this film as much as I did? But I found it to be near perfect in every aspect of filmmaking. From the opening shot from the train track prospective to the final scene the cinematography was beautifully positioned and far above standard. The acting was flawless, every actress in this film out did Oscar winner Reese Witherspoons over the top performance in 'Walk the Line.' (don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of R.W.,I just didn't feel her performance was piticularly note worthy...sorry) Unfortunately, I hesitate to recomend this film to everyone, as it is Russian dialog with subtittles. but if you're the type movie viewer that enjoys and appreciates a beautiful piece of work, it's a must see.

Yes   |   No

 
Nancy L.

Julia Vysotsky did a super acting job. It was a pleasure to watch the performance. The story was.....okay...worth watching if for no other reason than to watch an amazing young woman exercise her craft.

Yes   |   No

 
Peter W.

This film juxta-poses war and mental illness. It's set in an asylum located on the Russian border that is in the middle of hostilities. You get a picture of a group of mental patients who are overseen by a concerned psychiatrist. The institution has very little funding, but somehow the inmates get along as a caring community. Then soldiers from both sides disrupt their lives. Not exactly "One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest", but also less contrived.

Yes   |   No

 
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