The Big Exchange 1992
In the Soviet Union of 1961, as the government's dramatic monetary reform slashes the value of rubles overnight, one clever administrator sees opportunity in the chaos.
Director: Giorgi Shengelia
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Big Exchange* (1992) about?
Set during the USSR's 1961 monetary reform, the film follows an enterprising park director who teams up with a naive driver and a wily ex-con to exchange paper money for copper coins before the reform strips it of value. Their plan spirals into a web of deception and risk as they race against time and government scrutiny.
Who directed *The Big Exchange*?
Giorgi Shengelia directed *The Big Exchange*. Known for blending sharp social commentary with dark humor, Shengelia crafts a story that critiques economic instability through a lens of Soviet-era absurdity.
Who stars in *The Big Exchange*?
The film features standout performances from Vladimir Ilin as Prokhor Ignatievich, Andrei Ponomaryov, Vadim Zakharchenko, Valentina Telichkina, and Oksana Mysina, each bringing depth to this chaotic tale of greed and survival.
Is *The Big Exchange* (1992) worth watching?
Though unrated, the film's sharp satire, strong performances, and gripping premise make it a compelling watch for fans of Soviet-era comedies and crime films. Its blend of humor and tension offers a unique take on economic survival, though the lack of a rating might give budget-conscious viewers pause.
How long is *The Big Exchange*?
*The Big Exchange* runs for 88 minutes, packing its high-stakes story into a concise, engaging runtime that keeps the momentum tight from start to finish.
About The Big Exchange (1992) — A Soviet Satirical Gem of Greed and Reform
In the Soviet Union of 1961, as the government's dramatic monetary reform slashes the value of rubles overnight, one clever administrator sees opportunity in the chaos. Giorgi Shengelia's *The Big Exchange* blends sharp satire with dark comedy as Prokhor Ignatievich, a resourceful park director, teams up with a trusting driver and a shrewd ex-con to outwit the system by exchanging large sums for valuable copper coins before the reform takes full effect.
The film thrives on its claustrophobic, high-stakes atmosphere, where desperation and cunning collide in a desperate bid to preserve wealth against impossible odds. With Vladimir Ilin leading the cast as Prokhor, and a supporting crew of vivid characters, Shengelia crafts a biting critique of economic instability wrapped in the unpredictable energy of a heist-gone-wrong. *The Big Exchange (1992)* isn't just a period piece—it's a timeless tale of greed, ingenuity, and the absurd lengths people go when the rules of the game suddenly change.