Is If You Want - Believe It, If You Want - Don't Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1964)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 1964, If You Want - Believe It, If You Want - Don't represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Comedy category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Roman Kurykin, an amateur jazzman and the owner of an absolute ear for music, cannot reconcile himself to the idea that his son Edik does not show any interest in music. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Roman Kurykin, an amateur jazzman and the owner of an absolute ear for music, cannot reconcile himself to the idea that his son Edik does not show any interest in music. The dejected father, in desperation, suspected that the child could have been replaced in the maternity hospital by mistake. He got the addresses of two families where the sons were born at the same time as the younger Kurykin. Kurykin reports his suspicions to two other fathers, Shulgin and Sazonov. In secret from their wives, husbands begin their investigation."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Zinoviy Gerdt provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Igor Usov is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 67 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is If You Want - Believe It, If You Want - Don't truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Comedy, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, If You Want - Believe It, If You Want - Don't explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1964 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Igor Usov respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, If You Want - Believe It, If You Want - Don't is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Zinoviy Gerdt or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, If You Want - Believe It, If You Want - Don't is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.