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Bookmark this pageTotal Balalaika Show (1994)
Director: Aki Kaurismäki
Movie review
From Time Out Film Guide
From 'Finlandia' through 'Volga Boatman' to 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door' and 'Those Were the Days', this is a delightful record of a huge Helsinki concert bringing together the Leningrad Cowboys, the band that used to pride itself on being the worst in the world (they've improved no end) and the massed voices of the Red Army Chorus. The combination of outrageously long quiffs and winkle-pickers, with medals strewn across middle-aged military chests makes for a pleasing absurdity, especially when the Cowboys start Cossack dancing to 'Kalinka' - and it's clear that all but a few of the soldiers were having a ball too. Highlight: a magical version of the Turtles' 'Happy Together'. One helluva noise, and you won't stop smiling.Author: GA
Cast & crew
Director: Aki Kaurismäki
Producer: Aki Kaurismäki
Cast: The Leningrad Cowboys Band, The Alexandrov Red Army Chorus and Dance Ensemble full cast
Duration: 55 mins
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