Silver Skates

This is one of those hidden gems in Netflix , I picked it up for my weekend watch with no expectations and was pleasantly surprised . Apparently it is the first Russian film to be streamed on Netflix in Netflix originals . Set at the onset of early 20 th century , this movie addresses two key issues , women empowerment- the rights for women to pursue education and the class divide predominant in Russia - bourgeoisie vs proletariat. Matvey Polyakov , an ice skating courier of a local

Bakery is overthrown from his job and chooses to join a rebellious group of pickpockets who steal from the bourgeoisie. Alisa , daughter of one of the most influential Aristocrats of St Petersburg wants to pursue higher education in Chemistry and rebels against her father’s

Conservative views on feminism. Their paths cross , they fall in love and the problems compound. This movie is more of a social drama with some romance thrown in . The plot has nothing new to offer , but the movie is very aesthetically done and is visually stunning . Set in the winter in St. Petersburg, Russia , the place is covered with ice and snow . The ice skating stunts are both novel and mind blowing . The costumes are ethereal, and the movie brings out a dream like atmosphere. It simultaneously manages to beautifully showcase the contrast of the luxury the aristocracy is blessed with and the poverty which the working class has to endure in the snow . I always enjoy reading Russian fairy tales and this movie managed to look like one . The social issues are very subtly addressed and the lead pair is terrific . Loved every bit of it , a very different movie and very well done .

Rating : 👍👍👍👍