The Joke 1990
Set in the twilight of the Soviet Union, *The Joke (1990)* delivers a biting tragic comedy that exposes the absurdity and rot festering within Azerbaijan SSR's bureaucratic machinery.
Director: Nizami Musayev
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Joke (1990) about?
This tragic comedy follows three Soviet officials whose bumbling efforts to maintain control only highlight the absurdity of their crumbling system. Their misadventures reveal the decadence and corruption lurking behind the USSR's bureaucratic facade.
Who directed The Joke?
The Joke was directed by Nizami Musayev, known for his sharp, socially conscious filmmaking in the late Soviet era.
Who stars in The Joke?
The film features Rasim Balayev, Ceyhun Mirzäyev, Yashar Nuri, Mukhtar Maniyev, and Xuraman Hadjiyeva in key roles.
Is The Joke (1990) worth watching?
While unrated on IMDb, *The Joke (1990)* is a hidden gem for fans of political satire and dark comedies. Its sharp critique of Soviet bureaucracy gives it lasting relevance, making it worth tracking down for cinephiles.
How long is The Joke?
The Joke has a runtime of 136 minutes.
About The Joke (1990) — A Soviet Comedy Exposing Bureaucratic Absurdity
Set in the twilight of the Soviet Union, *The Joke (1990)* delivers a biting tragic comedy that exposes the absurdity and rot festering within Azerbaijan SSR's bureaucratic machinery. Directed by Nizami Musayev, the film weaves sharp satire through the misadventures of a trio of hapless officials, their incompetence mirroring the crumbling infrastructure around them. Rasim Balayev, Ceyhun Mirzäyev, and Yashar Nuri shine as the film's deeply flawed protagonists, each trapped in a Kafkaesque dance with their own irrelevance.
The 136-minute runtime unfolds like a dark farce, blending gallows humor with the quiet desperation of a system collapsing under its own weight. Musayev's direction balances mockery with empathy, crafting a world where corruption is both laughable and tragic. Beneath the laughs lies a critique of institutional decay, making *The Joke (1990)* as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.