The Death of Stalin

The perfect film to “celebrate” the Victorious February. It’s very funny and dark, but also chilling when you realise that some of the events portrayed are not that far from the realities of a totalitarian regime. So, let’s hope that the gradual stupidisation of this country won’t make us go through something like this again. Otherwise, when compared to this film, the Czech satire President Blanik looks pretty sad. It’s on another level. (02/25/2018)

A completely awesome comedy, and what I like most is the fact that it’s not even a little idiotic. The film humorously talks about serious things without ridiculing or belittling them. The script is packed with tremendous jokes, the cast works together like clockwork (Steve Buscemi and Michael Palin were a safe bet, but when Jason Isaacs' Zhukov burst onto the scene, everything got even better) and not a single joke is left without a point. Hand on heart, the Russians would ban this film even if it wasn't a comedy and if it depicted everything literally and deadly seriously - but then I would certainly have no desire to see it again and again. And again. (04/17/2018)

Stalin is dead and needs to be replaced. There are plenty of ambitious candidates to replace him, and the battle for the throne begins. Winner takes all, loser takes a bullet to the head. It's going to be a ride. The Death of Stalin is a clever comedy that relies on the fact that it features situations that are as absurd as they are terrifying, rather than classic humour. And with a great cast, too. As a purposefully slightly over-the-top reminder of what was happening just a few decades ago, the film works excellently. And as a clever comedy, too. (07/26/2018)

Making fun of a scum like Stalin and the Bolshevik cadres deserves praise, but I didn't find the film very funny. The humour was quite forced and ham-fisted, I guess I'm not the right viewer for such unbridled shenanigans. The casting, with the exception of Khrushchev and Molotov (the always reliable Buscemi and Palin) was one big blunder, especially with Stalin himself, who came across more like a nice old man than the charismatic, demonic Satan. (04/27/2018)

I haven't seen Armando Iannucci's work, but after watching this madness (I mean that in a good way), I’ll have to make up for it. I haven't seen such a well-done situational comedy in a long time (it reminded me a lot of the Netflix satire Don't Look Up), though it’s worth noting that it has a considerable amount of dark humor and a lot of serious scenes where you might feel your blood running cold. The cast was absolutely perfect; everyone showed they are among the top acting talents (if I had to name one, it would be Steve Buscemi as Khrushchev). Jason Isaacs' arrival as Zhukov almost had me on the floor laughing. The film surprised me positively, with amazing work all around. Now that I think about it, it's quite difficult to talk about the film. Anyone who hasn’t seen this creation yet should correct that immediately and form their own opinion. For me, it’s a well-deserved 9/10. (04/13/2022)