If this film were produced back in her day, Bergman would have been the obvious choice. Despite the Falling Snow Review by Adam Chapman Directed by Shamim Sarif Starring Antje Traue Charles Dance Rebecca Ferguson Anticipation. Moscow, 1959. The very next scene, she goes right ahead and does what shes told. Which is okay when everyone is Russian or everyone is American but when Lauren goes to Moscow in the beginning of the film I didnt notice. But its a potential that was wasted. It. Terms and Policies After an early career amongst the political elite of Cold War Russia, Alexander Ivanov has built a successful business in the States. The other half is set in what feels like the present day that is, 1992, just after the fall of the Soviet Union, when the aging Sasha, now played by Charles Dance as a successful but haunted New York businessman, watches as his artist niece goes to Moscow to learn what happened to Katya all those years ago. New York, 1961. In 1950's Moscow Katya is a spy for the Americans and is encouraged to marry and steal secrets from the young politician Alex. She comes across as cold, kind of blank, and with an accent that jumps around quite a bit. Sharif is no stranger to adapting her own novels for the screen, via her production company Enlightenment Productions, and sadly, although Im not familiar with previous films such as The World Unseen and I Cant Think Straight, you wouldnt know it to look at this one. These days even the most amateur of filmmakers can make a small production budget work. stolidly old-fashioned, rather bafflingly preposterous spy-tale-slash-love-story is what this creaky film offers, directed by Sharim Sharif and adapted by the director from her own 2004 novel. Despite the Falling Snow is a 2004 book by Shamim Sarif. Director Shamim Sarif Writer Shamim Sarif (written for the screen by) Stars Rebecca Ferguson Sam Reid Charles Dance See production, box office & company info Watch on Freevee Watch Free on Freevee More watch options TAMING THE GARDEN: Bending the World To Your Whims, A SHORT STORY: Bi Gans Feline Fairy Tale, BABYLON: A Hardcore Hallucinatory Hollywood Epic, LADY CHATTERLEYS LOVER: A Pensively Romantic Adaptation, THE BOX: A Mistaken Identity Becomes A Rabbit Hole Of Corruption In Mexico, WHO KILLED SANTA: A MURDERVILLE MYSTERY: The Holidays Are For Hilarity, AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER: Camerons Triumphant Return To Pandora, Originality: Reboots, Sequels & How They Affect Modern Film. Just below that it reads "Ticket Confirmation#:" followed by a 10-digit number. The key to understanding the ending of "Fallen" recognizing that John Hobbes is not the narrator; Azazel is. Costume designer: Momirka Bailovic The movie stars Rebecca Ferguson and Charles Dance in a story of love and betrayal in cold war Russia. A Cold War romantic espionage thriller, rooted in the suddenly sexy subject of Russia, keeps tripping over its own ineptitude. In cold war America, ambitious young Russian diplomat Sacha (Sam Reid) has arrived with a trade delegation, planning to defect but will his beautiful young wife Katya (Rebecca Ferguson) be able to escape with him? Copyright Fandango. Just click the "Edit page" button at the bottom of the page or learn more in the Synopsis submission guide. But Despite the Falling Snow is one of those movies in which the cross-cutting keeps destroying all mood and momentum it feels more like channel-surfing. The mystery of the story is so simple andclichdit is impossible to engage with. Do you plan on seeing Despite The Falling Snow? Production company: Enlightenment Productions LWLies Recommends. The novels journey back to the snowbound streets of post-Stalinist Moscow reveals a precarious, dangerous world of secrets and treachery. All Rights Reserved. After penning the book and directing the film, Sarif could have benefited from a fresh eye. With political tensions simmering, the snowy streets portraying life in 50s Soviet Union feel like a fitting allegory for the icy standoff between the two powerhouse countries. Falling For Christmas Ending Explained (In Detail) By Jessica Smith Published Nov 14, 2022 Netflix has kicked off the Holiday season in true Hallmark fashion with Falling For Christmas, and the ending could leave space for a sequel. Despite the Falling Snow is a 2016 British Cold War espionage film directed by Shamim Sarif, adapted from her novel of the same name. , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes. Overall, the 90s is not very good. Rebecca Ferguson appears on screen in the Cold War romantic spy drama clad in lush period costume. Despite the Falling Snow jumps between the years 1959-1961 and 1991, moving from Moscow to New York and back again. By opting to have your ticket verified for this movie, you are allowing us to check the email address associated with your Rotten Tomatoes account against an email address associated with a Fandango ticket purchase for the same movie. When a films basic strategy is to cut between the past and the present, it should create ripples of anticipatory tension. | | In 1950s Moscow, communist Katya secretly spies for the Americans in the Cold War arms race. It was first published on May 4, 2004 through Headline Book Publishing and is set during two different time periods. For into his life come two womenone . Cinemark You'll receive your first newsletter next Saturday. Her Lauren is less impressive, due to her affected American accent and being a generally less interesting character, but her performances generate some much needed heat here. It was like theyd been created on a version of Windows that just about survived the 90s. Though the film is filled with Russian characters, everyone speaks with a British accent. All rights reserved. One part of the story is set in 1950s Moscow, Russia during the Cold War years, while the other follows the story of 1992 Moscow and London in the period after the collapse of USSR. 2023 Variety Media, LLC. Variety is a part of Penske Media Corporation. This should be known by a government agency. review | Charles Dance and Anthony Head (as the older Misha)dont really put anything into their roles,although they occasionally, and rather grossly, ham them up. The smoothest of these comes when one Ferguson walks out of the state archive in Moscow after a dangerous mission, as another Ferguson walks in. Murf the Surf: Jewels, Jesus, and Mayhem in the USA: Season 1, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: Season 1, Link to Marvel Movies Ranked Worst to Best by Tomatometer, Link to Golden Tomato Awards: Best Movies & TV of 2022, Link to 10 WTF Horror Movies to Watch if You Loved. Considering I was the first person to buy a ticket for it at my local cinema I predict that this will most likely go straight to DVD in other countries, but stay tuned to the release dates in case of any change. Her films have won 47 awards internationally. Variety and the Flying V logos are trademarks of Variety Media, LLC. It feels abridged, almost as though the film has to come in under a time limit, and many of the important beats dont really get time to land. Director of photography: David Johnson Assuming an undercover identity is an integral part of Katyas profession, so it is not immediately clear that they are different people. Theone truly heinous part of the past is the special effects used while the characters walk alongside the Moskva river (see below). Sign up to get our cinematic goodness delivered to your inbox every weekend. Despite the Falling Snow is a 2016 British Cold War espionage film directed by Shamim Sarif, adapted from her novel of the same name. I love film, more than people probably, and I will watch pretty much anything. We wont be able to verify your ticket today, but its great to know for the future. As Lauren, shes perky and liberated and slightly bratty, especially when she comes on to a high-ranking Russian journalist (Antje Traue). Get the freshest reviews, news, and more delivered right to your inbox! (Establishing shots ostensibly set in 1991 make no attempt to hide 21st-century skyscrapers.) Rebecca Ferguson, Following on from Rebecca Fergusons last role as the sassy spy alongside Ethan Hunt, this should be mission possible. Composer: Rachel Portman Theres also this part of you that wonders ifLauren isntAlex and Katyas daughter, which keeps your interest going for a while, until you realise she certainly isnt. Although the scantness of Alexs kitchen does sort of give away the fact that he hasnt cooked so much as had the prop department place a saucepan on the cooker. Hes supposed to be the films romantic hero, but he is, in fact, a Soviet bureaucrat of such mealy sweet ineffectuality that his title is senior assistant to the third deputy minister of foreign affairs. (He would probably think that Despite the Falling Snow is a good title.). Get our L.A. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Review: Missing turns up more terrors in tech and true crime, Indie film is at a crossroads. The most successful part of Despite The Falling Snow takes place in the past. All Rights Reserved. When she begins spying on Alexander, an idealistic Communist politician, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with him. There are no featured reviews for Despite the Falling Snow because the movie has not released yet (). [1] Starring Rebecca Ferguson, Sam Reid, Charles Dance, Antje Traue, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Thure Lindhardt and Anthony Head, [2] the film was released in the United Kingdom on 15 April 2016. Despite the Falling Snow is a phrasethat barely sticks in the mindfor the time it takes to read it; given that the movie wantsto be a Cold War romantic espionage thriller, you can imagine a hundred titles that would bemore alluring. What did you think of it? This 10-digit number is your confirmation number. Mystery & thriller. The agent, in this case, is Katya Krinkova (played by the vibrant Swedish actress Rebecca Ferguson), a secret dissident in Soviet Russia whose parents were killed by Stalins goons when she was just a girl. By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and We know from the films opening that Alex defected while in New York, hoping that Katya would join him. Despite the Falling Snow's slick production and appealing cast struggle to elevate a feeble script, resulting in a Cold War thriller that never raises the temperature. In Moscow in 1959, Katya pursues rising Soviet politician Alexander (Sam Reid) at the encouragement of their friend Misha (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) so that she can share his secrets with the Americans. This can just add to our confusion. When the preview of Despite The Falling Snow the film appeared on YouTube a song performed by Ella Henderson called "Now You Say You Love Me" featured prominently toward the end. Become a Member and support film journalism. Very glad I saw it. Charles Dance here is very much the same Charles Dance who wrapped in a couple of days on five other films in the last year or so and while a more game Anthony Head shows up with a spectacularly scruffy and tobacco stained performance as another key player, neither of them is around much and neither has much in common with their respective characters in the main plot. Weirdly, despite her great performance as Katya, Rebecca Ferguson falls short as Lauren. The image is an example of a ticket confirmation email that AMC sent you when you purchased your ticket. Its been a few years since Ive seen such a cold lesbian relationship on screen. Alan Rickmans final screen outing is a textbook exercise in bringing modern warfare to the big screen. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter, Novelist/filmmaker Shamim Sarif goes to Cold War-era Russia for the espionage-laced love story 'Despite the Falling Snow.'. Starring Rebecca Ferguson, Sam Reid, Charles Dance, Antje Traue, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Thure Lindhardt and Anthony Head, the film was released in the United Kingdom on 15 April 2016.. A Cold War spy thriller from Steven Spielberg thats as sleek, robust and alluring as a vintage Rolls Royce. The old Cold War meets the new Cold War. This lack of authenticity just distanced me away from the narrative more than I already was. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. With a little extra screen time here and there, the story and its characters might have been that much more involving. Ultimately, we are never empathise for these characters and importantly are never scared for Katya. Menu Despite The Falling Snow (300) 5.8 1 h 33 min 2017 X-Ray PG-13 Moscow 1959: Katya is young, beautiful, and a spy for the Americans. Its a particular gripe of mine that I hate films that try to get by in an 80s or 90s world just by ditching the mobile phones and wearing slightly unfashionable clothing. Coming Soon. By creating an account, you agree to the Despite the falling snow - high res. His journey back to the dangerous streets of Moscow uncovers a love triangle and betrayals from those he trusted most. Coming Soon, Regal [2] The Boston Globe also praised the novel, citing the character of Katya as a highlight.[3]. Thematically, Despite the Falling Snow could be summed up as an exploration of the way in which the inhuman brutality of Stalinism wreaks its deep emotional damage decade after decade, generation on generation, even following its victims halfway round the globe. The book was published by Headline in the UK and St Martin's Press in the US. And then she really loves him. Please reference Error Code 2121 when contacting customer service. I didnt know she was in Moscow for quite a while, in fact,because I didnt hear any Russian accents. (299) 5.8 1 h 33 min 2017 X-Ray PG-13. When she begins spying on Alexander, an idealistic Communist politician, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with him. Stay up-to-date on all the latest Rotten Tomatoes news! Known for earlier films and novels that focus on lesbian relationships, Sarif squeezes a brief one in here: a present-day fling between Lauren and Marina (Antje Traue), a journalist who pretends to be a fan of Laurens art but actually shares an interest in Alex and Katyas story. Adapted by writer-director Sharim Sharif from her own novel, this romantic thriller casts Ferguson as two women separated by time but connected by blood and a sequence of events that occurred in Moscow at the height of the Cold War. If the movie had been called Casablanca or Notorious, its still doubtful that a lot ofpeople would want to see it. Rebecca Ferguson (currently onscreen in Life) plays the artist, Lauren, who in 1991 leaves New York for a Moscow gallery show. Reconciling her passion for him with her beliefs about communism means making the greatest sacrifice - of her life - a sacrifice that Alexander only uncovers thirty years later. Despite The Falling Snow. We believe in Truth & Movies. ; ; ; despite the falling snow ending explained This California farm kingdom holds a key, Six people, including mother and baby, killed in Tulare County; drug cartel suspected, Im afraid for her life: Riverside CC womens coach harassed after Title IX suit, New Bay Area maps show hidden flood risk from sea level rise and groundwater, These are the 101 best restaurants in Los Angeles, Jeremy Renner is out of the hospital and watching himself on TV at home with family, The Goonies house will soon become a fan haven, thanks to a Kansas businessman, Channing Tatum plans to remake Ghost and take on the Patrick Swayze role himself, Munich, Lincoln, The Fabelmans look for DP Janusz Kamiski on a Spielberg set, These difficult actors said RRR couldnt be done. For into his life come two women one who will start to open up the heart he has protected for so long; another who is determined to uncover the truth about what really happened to Katya all those years ago. They won't be able to see your review if you only submit your rating. Also, communication with anyone else they are fighting with is so scant I did wonder at some point whether they were just being led on by a KGB hoping to dupe them into treason. Also, whenneither ofthe time periods isthe one were living in, as a viewer we have a lot more to understand. Plot. And Sundance is full of canaries in the coal mine, John Larroquette confirms he was paid in weed to narrate Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Prosecutors to reveal if Alec Baldwin will be charged in Rust shooting tomorrow, Want to solve climate change? At its core, "Falling for Christmas" may seem like a love story between Jake (Overstreet) and Sierra (Lohan), but the most crucial relationship is between Sierra and Avy (Olivia Perez). I have a postgraduate education in film & have spent an exceptionally long time trying to get inside the film industry. 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