Farewell Moscow (1987)

Original Title: Mosca addio

Title: Farewell Moscow (1987)
"Farewell Moscow", likewise called "Mosca addio", is a 1987 drama film directed by Mauro Bolognini. This Italian movie set in the late 1970s depicts a Russian Jewish dissident's family's struggle to leave the Soviet Union for a better life.

Plot
The main lead character, Ida Nudel, is brilliantly played by Liv Ullmann, who is a Jewish economic expert living in Moscow. She is represented as a positive and independent woman who believes in the peaceful protest versus the Soviet program's organized anti-Semitism. When her sis, Elena, and her household are allowed to emigrate to Israel, Ida likewise uses however is regularly denied.

Reluctant to accept this, Ida becomes a "refusenik", a member of the casual movement in the former Soviet Union who were rejected official authorizations to emigrate by the authorities, particularly to Israel. Ida starts public demonstrations and openly criticizes the Soviet government's discrimination against Jews, which triggers the federal government to identify her a 'traitor' and condemn her to Siberian exile.

Characters and Performances
Liv Ullmann's representation of Ida Nudel is deeply psychological and at the exact same time extremely strong exhibiting intense resistance to the overbearing system. The sense of seclusion, worry, and resistance of a lady combating the oppressive program solitarily is very well depicted by Ullmann. Ullmann received the very best Actress Award at the 1987 Montréal World Film Festival for her impressive performance.

Daniel Olbrychski plays the role of the KGB officer who bears a complicated relationship with Idda Nudel, torn in between responsibility to his job and compassion towards Idda's plight. Aurore Clément appears as the character of Idda's sister, Elena, who makes a tough and guilt-ridden journey to flexibility, leaving her sister behind.

Contextual Theme
"Farewell Moscow" provides an unflinching view at a dark time in Russian history when human rights were regularly breached, and the Jewish population was frequently victimized. The film efficiently depicts the irony of the Soviet program, which is supposed to be a beacon of equality and uniformity, stopping working to measure up to its own suitables.

Important Reception
While the film is praised for its strong efficiencies, it got mixed reviews from critics. Some critics praised director Mauro Bolognini's keen observation of human interactions under political and social oppression, while others found the movie doing not have in consistency. There were, nevertheless, consentaneous praises for Ullmann's sensitive and heart-touching portrayal of Idda Nudel.

Conclusion
Regardless of differing evaluations, "Farewell Moscow" stays an essential film due to its expedition of a poignant time in Soviet history, its representation of human rights issues, and its striking performances, especially by Liv Ullmann. The movie requires liberty, democracy, and regard for each individual's rights, making it a strong cinematic action to an oppressive regime.

Top Cast

  • Liv Ullmann (small)
    Liv Ullmann
    Ida Nudel
  • Daniel Olbrychski (small)
    Daniel Olbrychski
    Yuli
  • Aurore Clément (small)
    Aurore Clément
    Elena
  • Anna Galiena (small)
    Anna Galiena
  • Saverio Vallone (small)
    Saverio Vallone
  • Francesca Ciardi (small)
    Francesca Ciardi
  • Ermanno De Biagi (small)
    Ermanno De Biagi
    Lazar
  • Edoardo Siravo (small)
    Edoardo Siravo
  • Tania Alexander (small)
    Tania Alexander
  • Gianfranco Quero (small)
    Gianfranco Quero