
My Father Is an Idealist 1981
In *My Father Is an Idealist (1981)*, Soviet filmmaker Vladimir Bortko crafts a tender, nostalgic tale that explores the unexpected bonds between generations.
Director: Vladimir Bortko
Cast










Frequently Asked Questions
What is *My Father Is an Idealist* (1981) about?
This Soviet-era romance follows the strained but loving relationship between a sentimental musician father and his pragmatic doctor son. Their differences escalate when the father remarries a young ballerina, but a life-threatening crisis forces them to confront their emotional distance and rediscover what truly matters.
Who directed *My Father Is an Idealist*?
The film was directed by Vladimir Bortko, a celebrated Soviet filmmaker known for his emotionally resonant and visually rich storytelling.
Who stars in *My Father Is an Idealist*?
The lead roles are played by Vladislav Strzhelchik as the idealistic father, Yuri Bogatyryov as his practical son, and Natalya Varley as the young ballerina stepmother.
Is *My Father Is an Idealist* (1981) worth watching?
For fans of character-driven, nostalgic romances with depth and heart, *My Father Is an Idealist* offers a rewarding experience. While it may not boast mainstream appeal, its gentle charm and thoughtful themes make it a hidden gem worth exploring for its sincerity and emotional resonance.
How long is *My Father Is an Idealist*?
The runtime for *My Father Is an Idealist* is 88 minutes.
About My Father Is an Idealist (1981) — A Soviet-era romance about family, idealism, and second chances
In *My Father Is an Idealist (1981)*, Soviet filmmaker Vladimir Bortko crafts a tender, nostalgic tale that explores the unexpected bonds between generations. The story follows an aging, dreamy musician—once a romantic artist of musical comedies—who pours his heart into writing an operetta celebrating kindness and hope. Meanwhile, his son, a pragmatic and no-nonsense doctor, dismisses his father's idealism as naive whimsy, finding humor in the old man's quixotic pursuits. Their relationship sours further when the musician remarries a much younger ballerina, Alena, whose presence only deepens the rift. But when life throws a crisis their way, the pair must confront their differences and rediscover the value of love, support, and unconditional trust.
Set against the backdrop of an era where practicality often overshadowed sentimentality, this 88-minute romantic drama unfolds with gentle humor and poignant humanity. Bortko's direction blends warmth with bittersweet realism, capturing the beauty of flawed relationships and the quiet strength found in vulnerability. With a stellar cast led by Vladislav Strzhelchik and Yuri Bogatyryov, *My Father Is an Idealist* is a heartfelt reminder that sometimes, the most profound connections are the ones we least expect.