Valery Garkalin Movies
- 1995
The confusion inherit in contemporary Russian society provides the basis of this slapstick social satire that focuses on a case of mistaken identity. The trouble begins in a Siberian diamond field as miners bring to light the world's biggest diamond. So valuable is the giant gem, that it will not only pay off the enormous national debt, it will also allow every Russian citizen to move to the Canary Islands. Unfortunately, the Mafia plans to steal the massive stone. Their plans are foiled when a renowned thief, Vesja, exchanges stones at the airport. Now the chase is on as the Mafia begins its pursuit. Also chasing him is the inept police chief Igor Ugolnikov, who trails him to the home of his alcoholic auntie. But Vesja, a master of disguise, still eludes them all. He then learns that he is a triplet when his two brothers suddenly appear. One is a renowned Jewish conductor, and the other brother is a gypsy. The conductor, Imokenty, has come back to Russia to marry a fluff-headed American divorcee. Mayhem and a merry chase ensue as he continues to elude his pursuers. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Valery Garkalin, Vera Alentova, (more)
- 1995
In this emotional Russian drama, a psychologist, Lena, heads to a Russian prison to make a TV-documentary that allows convicts to express their thoughts and feelings. Also in the prison that day is Lyube, a popular Russian band. During the interviews, most of the prisoners express their desire to return to their families and begin peaceful lives at home. As they speak, flashbacks illustrate their poignant stories. Later, Lena journeys to a reform institute for delinquent young women where they also interview the idealistic guards and staff members. One of them is a teacher who is so into her work that she does it for free. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Marina Levtova, Nikolai Rastorguev, (more)
- 1989
In this thriller, "Greek" (Valery Garkalin) has a pretty pleasant life, running excursion boats with his partner and doing a little professional gambling on the side. Things take a sinister turn when his partner is killed after a big (and inexplicable) loss in a card game. Greek suspects the worst, and vows to track down the cheat and his partner's killer (he expects they are the same person). The outward pleasantness of Russians at play swifly becomes sinister, as more and more people come under Greek's suspicious eye. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Valery Garkalin, Yelena Safonova, (more)
