Is Not of This World Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1977)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Not of This World, a standout production of 1977, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Drama, TV Movie landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into A play based on the final work of Alexander Ostrovsky, staged by the Theater on Malaya Bronnaya Russia’s most renowned playwright, Alexander Ostrovsky, wrote his last play while seriously ill. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, TV Movie 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: "A play based on the final work of Alexander Ostrovsky, staged by the Theater on Malaya Bronnaya Russia’s most renowned playwright, Alexander Ostrovsky, wrote his last play while seriously ill. What final message did he hope to leave behind? Find out in this televised version of the production by the Moscow Drama Theater on Malaya Bronnaya, directed by Alexander Dunaev. Kseniya Vasilievna returns to Moscow to save her husband, accused of embezzlement at a private bank. But he is more interested in pleasures and sensual distractions. Meanwhile, her sister’s greedy suitor plots to gain their mother’s fortune entirely for himself. Kseniya’s moral purity and selflessness set her apart as a woman not of this world."

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 Mikhail Kozakov 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 Aleksandr Dunayev 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 125 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 Not of This World 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 Drama, TV Movie, 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, Not of This World explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1977 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Aleksandr Dunayev 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, Not of This World 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 Mikhail Kozakov or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Not of This World is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.