Queen of Spades

The main character, a former famous opera singer named Sofia Meyer - makes a triumphant return to Moscow - after 25 years of absence from the country, to perform in the opera "Queen of Spades", which had once made hers world-famous. In a mad race for her own glory she manipulates the young opera tenor Andrey, as well as her own niece Lisa, a young and inexperienced girl...

Those who are used to the subtle psychological dramas of Pavel Lungin will definitely be surprised by this entertaining and dynamic film. The psychology and clearly traced characters have not disappeared, and the director is still as skilful as ever in coping with the actors. Famous actress Ksenija Rappoport performs brilliantly in the role of an opera diva. Ivan Yankovsky appears in the role of Andrey, a sensitive and charming "glamorous scum", recalling with his performance the works of a young Innokenty Smoktunovsky.

The film skilfully combines the elements of a psychological thriller and a film-opera. Pavel Lungin has been nurturing the idea for years - to bring Pushkin’s short story into the modern day, while crossing it with the heroes and music of Tchaikovsky’s opera of the same name. He amazes us with his polished scene at the premiere of the opera: the rhythm of editing is dictated by the great music of Tchaikovsky.

The action in the movie is played twice - in the opera scene with the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky and in real life, with the casino games, theatre intrigues and monetary debts. The director himself believes that "this is a story of enthusiasm for life, youth, game, jealousy, passion, love and the destructive thirst for glory..."
“Queen of Spades” was chosen as the audience's favorite film at the 2016 festival.