the Terms and Policies, and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes. Lauren sets out for Moscow and with the help of political reporter Marina (Antje Traue), sets about trying to uncover what happened to her aunt. Hanan Kattan and Lisa Tchengiuz served as the Executive producers. figs return policy reddit; ruth wignall wedding ring. If the movie had been called Casablanca or Notorious, its still doubtful that a lot ofpeople would want to see it. Despite The Falling Snow is a film by novelist and filmmaker Shamim Sharif. On the plus side, Charles Dance provides a praiseworthy turn as the older Alexandre, who features more prominently towards the final act. Join a community of like-minded readers who are passionate about cinema - get access to our private members Network, give back to independent filmmakers, and more. Katya is young, beautiful and a spy for the Americans. Alexander Ivanov, a high-ranked Soviet bureaucrat, reluctantly defects to the West while is part of a diplomatic mission, feeling the grief of being unable to know the fate of his wife Katya, whom he has had to leave behind in Moscow. We want to hear what you have to say but need to verify your account. But a lot of this might be due to Sharifs creation of the character and her direction ofFerguson. In 1950's Moscow Katya is a spy for the Americans and is encouraged to marry and steal secrets from the young politician Alex. The plot bounces back and forth between time periods, jumping from a stylised period drama of the 50s to New York and Moscow of the 90s. Edward Snowden and Pussy Riot. Variety is a part of Penske Media Corporation. If nothing else, Despite The Falling Snow proves what we already knew about Ferguson from Rogue Nation shes a bona fide movie star. despite the falling snow ending explained. The film bounces back and forth between 1991 and the 1950s, observing as a young Alex (Sam Reid) falls in love with Katya (also played by Ferguson). A lifeless love-meets-espionage yarn set in Cold War Russia. The time frame flashes back and forth between the early 60s and the early 90s. Sarif employs techniques such as slow motion parting gestures to provide us with cues to start caring. Moscow, 1959. Contents 1 Plot 2 Cast Production company: Enlightenment Productions The Den of Geek quarterly magazine is packed with exclusive features, interviews, previews and deep dives into geek culture. Ferguson, in a short blondish wig, plays the niece, too, a gambit that seems like it should mean something but doesnt. Ferguson is an Ingrid Bergman-style actress. Verified reviews are considered more trustworthy by fellow moviegoers. Become a Member and support film journalism. Despite the Falling Snow's slick production and appealing cast struggle to elevate a feeble script, resulting in a Cold War thriller that never raises the temperature. A then-and-now romantic drama tracing all broken hearts back to Cold War-era duplicity, Shamim Sarifs Despite the Falling Snow finds a Russian-American artist going back to the old country in search of news about an aunt she never knew. Youll be playing the guessing game on where its going, and who is who. The movie stars Rebecca Ferguson and Charles Dance in a story of love and betrayal in cold war Russia. 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In one particular case, Katya puts her foot down and tells Misha shes not going to follow his instructions. Just click the "Edit page" button at the bottom of the page or learn more in the Synopsis submission guide. Director Shamim Sarif Writer Shamim Sarif (written for the screen by) Stars Rebecca Ferguson Sam Reid Charles Dance See production, box office & company info Watch on Freevee Watch Free on Freevee More watch options Plus, her wig is incredibly off putting. However, she soon falls in love with him, complicating her mission. (Establishing shots ostensibly set in 1991 make no attempt to hide 21st-century skyscrapers.) The smoothest of these comes when one Ferguson walks out of the state archive in Moscow after a dangerous mission, as another Ferguson walks in. Have you read the book? The two meet and flirt at a party in 1959, but shes just playing along. Which is okay when everyone is Russian or everyone is American but when Lauren goes to Moscow in the beginning of the film I didnt notice. Following on from Rebecca Ferguson's last role as the sassy spy alongside Ethan Hunt, this should be mission possible Enjoyment. Charles Dance and Anthony Head (as the older Misha)dont really put anything into their roles,although they occasionally, and rather grossly, ham them up. Meanwhilein 1990s New York Katyas niece Lauren, an artist, is making plans to discover what happened to her aunt. By opting to have your ticket verified for this movie, you are allowing us to check the email address associated with your Rotten Tomatoes account against an email address associated with a Fandango ticket purchase for the same movie. Very glad I saw it. "Despite the Falling Snow" is a phrase that barely sticks in the mind for the time it takes to read it; given that the movie wants to be a Cold War romantic espionage thriller, you can imagine a. You could argue that this deepens the central mystery, wondering how the characters changed so much over the years, except that this mystery is maddeningly obvious from quite early on, thanks to the deceptively convoluted structure. Director Shamim Sarifs Despite the Falling Snow begins with promise, featuring the titular precipitation with an almost jaw-dropping beauty. Rebecca Ferguson appears on screen in the Cold War romantic spy drama clad in lush period costume. Then shes touched by his ideological idealism, though shes still not in love with him (and why would she be remotely sympathetic to his belief in a regime thats still rigid in its brutality?). Author Sidney Sheldon writes about heroines attempting to navigate their way through a mans world, confronting the dangers and desires of the heart. Adapted by writer-director Sharim Sharif from her own novel, this romantic thriller casts Ferguson as two women separated by time but connected by blood and a sequence of events that occurred in Moscow at the height of the Cold War. Katya is young, beautiful and a spy for the Americans. Despite the Falling Snow is an absorbing tale of family, the Cold War, and mostly true love. Murf the Surf: Jewels, Jesus, and Mayhem in the USA: Season 1, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: Season 1, Link to Marvel Movies Ranked Worst to Best by Tomatometer, Link to Golden Tomato Awards: Best Movies & TV of 2022, Link to 10 WTF Horror Movies to Watch if You Loved. Executive producers: Ben White, Lisa Tchenguiz, Katherine Priestley It features laborious acting and directing, and a screenplay whose revelations are uninteresting, even were they not guessable long in advance. [1] It was first published on May 4, 2004 through Headline Book Publishing and is set during two different time periods. All rights reserved. Casting directors: Kelly Valentine Hendry, Victor Jenkins, Lina Todd, Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. A Cold War romantic espionage thriller, rooted in the suddenly sexy subject of Russia, keeps tripping over its own ineptitude. Hes supposed to be the films romantic hero, but he is, in fact, a Soviet bureaucrat of such mealy sweet ineffectuality that his title is senior assistant to the third deputy minister of foreign affairs. (He would probably think that Despite the Falling Snow is a good title.). Starring Rebecca Ferguson, Sam Reid, Charles Dance, Antje Traue, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Thure Lindhardt and Anthony Head, the film was released in the United Kingdom on 15 April 2016.. Cinemark and the All Rights Reserved. Thematically, Despite the Falling Snow could be summed up as an exploration of the way in which the inhuman brutality of Stalinism wreaks its deep emotional damage decade after decade, generation on generation, even following its victims halfway round the globe. Their director proved them wrong. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. One part of the story is set in 1950s Moscow, Russia during the Cold War years, while the other follows the story of 1992 Moscow and London in the period after the collapse of USSR. Unless you have someone with you. Despite the Falling Snow. Read critic reviews. Admittedly I had high hopes for Despite The Falling Snow, I imagined something reminiscent of The Debt (which I didnt like) or Sarahs Key (which I did). Haruto continues to struggle finding an answer and purpose to his life, but vows to remember Misaki's memory every spring just like the fallen petals. By creating an account, you agree to the Little White Lies was established in 2005 as a bi-monthly print magazine committed to championing great movies and the talented people who make them. Are record snowstorms proof that global warming isn't . As a leading lady, her smouldering screen presence holds up perfectly, with her Ingrid Bergman-esque qualities serving the film extremely well in the Cold War sequences as Katya. Please click the link below to receive your verification email. His journey back to the dangerous streets of Moscow uncovers a love triangle and betrayals from those he trusted most. Get the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox! As Lauren, shes perky and liberated and slightly bratty, especially when she comes on to a high-ranking Russian journalist (Antje Traue). Despite The Falling Snow is a film by novelist and filmmaker Shamim Sharif. Be the first to contribute! We know from the films opening that Alex defected while in New York, hoping that Katya would join him. Katya works for her friend Misha (played very well by Oliver Jackson-Cohen), together they both work for the Americans. Falling For Christmas Ending Explained (In Detail) By Jessica Smith Published Nov 14, 2022 Netflix has kicked off the Holiday season in true Hallmark fashion with Falling For Christmas, and the ending could leave space for a sequel. Romance, When she lands her biggest assignment, stealing secrets from rising government star Alexander, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with him. Rebecca Ferguson, Following on from Rebecca Fergusons last role as the sassy spy alongside Ethan Hunt, this should be mission possible. Mystery & thriller. Director Shamim Sarif's "Despite the Falling Snow" begins with promise, featuring the titular precipitation with an almost jaw-dropping beauty. Plot. Coming Soon. The film is based on her book of the same name and plays outover two time periods. Please reference Error Code 2121 when contacting customer service. I think Rebecca Ferguson tries hard but the chemistry between herAntje Traue is non-existent and Trauejust seems uncomfortable with the whole thing. Drama Mystery Romance In Cold War Moscow, a female spy steals secrets from an idealistic politician - and falls in love with him. The story of this movie is the book "Before Snow Falls" written by Leyla in "I Can't Think Straight". Not that any of us would have known this. Also, communication with anyone else they are fighting with is so scant I did wonder at some point whether they were just being led on by a KGB hoping to dupe them into treason. After an early career amongst the political elite of Cold War Russia, Alexander Ivanov has built a successful business in the States. 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Her uncle Alex (Game of Thrones Charles Dance, underused here), who defected as a young man, discourages her, but Lauren has heard too much about Katya, the aunt who never made it out of Russia, not to take the opportunity to explore her roots. Costume designer: Momirka Bailovic It's rated PG-13 for some sexuality and violence. Ultimately, we are never empathise for these characters and importantly are never scared for Katya. For 40 years, he has buried the tragic memories surrounding his charismatic late wife, Katyaor so he believes. Theres also this part of you that wonders ifLauren isntAlex and Katyas daughter, which keeps your interest going for a while, until you realise she certainly isnt. An off-the-chain Tom Cruise is the key and only asset in this fifth ride-along with the IMF crew. It stars Rebecca Ferguson in both roles, as Katya and Lauren. In cold war America, ambitious young Russian diplomat Sacha (Sam Reid) has arrived with a trade delegation, planning to defect but will his beautiful young wife Katya (Rebecca Ferguson) be able to escape with him? The other half is set in what feels like the present day that is, 1992, just after the fall of the Soviet Union, when the aging Sasha, now played by Charles Dance as a successful but haunted New York businessman, watches as his artist niece goes to Moscow to learn what happened to Katya all those years ago. Sign up to get our cinematic goodness delivered to your inbox every weekend. Sharif is no stranger to adapting her own novels for the screen, via her production company Enlightenment Productions, and sadly, although Im not familiar with previous films such as The World Unseen and I Cant Think Straight, you wouldnt know it to look at this one. Despite the Falling Snow is a phrasethat barely sticks in the mindfor the time it takes to read it; given that the movie wantsto be a Cold War romantic espionage thriller, you can imagine a hundred titles that would bemore alluring. Katya is eventually won over, of course, but the film fails to generate much heat as she wrestles with her conscience, then eventually reveals her secret to Alex and convinces him to defect. In 1950s Moscow Katya is a spy for the Americans and is encouraged to marry and steal secrets from the young politician Alex. Its heady and fertile terrain for journalistic docudrama, for spy-vs.-cyber-spy suspense. All Rights Reserved. Taglines I have a postgraduate education in film & have spent an exceptionally long time trying to get inside the film industry. With political tensions simmering, the snowy streets portraying life in 50s Soviet Union feel like a fitting allegory for the icy standoff between the two powerhouse countries. Despite the rain, we enjoyed the festival. Katya and Mishas personal relationship is more interesting. This can just add to our confusion. Its an image that is somehow less crisp and clipped than the film its in, which is perhaps the main reason that she and the artwork are all that linger from this segmented and suspenseless romance. review Katya has been assigned by Misha (Oliver Jackson-Cohen), the swarthy leader of her cell, to get romantically involved withSasha. The book was published by Headline in the UK and St Martin's Press in the US. Because although its not awful, its really not very good either. After penning the book and directing the film, Sarif could have benefited from a fresh eye. A film set in two time periods is always going to suffer slightly, all the jumping back and forth between storylines can disengage the audience from what is going on. We see all of this through black and white shots of their various hotspots together. Terms and Policies Hanan Kattan and Lisa Tchengiuz served as the Executive producers. These days even the most amateur of filmmakers can make a small production budget work. And its a little jarring. We believe in Truth & Movies. Cast: Rebecca Ferguson, Sam Reid, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Charles Dance, Anthony Head, Antje Traue, Thure Lindhardt Hammy histrionics Sam Reid and Rebecca Ferguson in Despite the Falling Snow. Furthermore the costume and setting in the 90sis just poor. Mark Harrison | This should be known by a government agency. It is like Jeffrey Archer with a twist. , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes. A Cold War spy thriller from Steven Spielberg thats as sleek, robust and alluring as a vintage Rolls Royce. Antje Traue If this film were produced back in her day, Bergman would have been the obvious choice. Regal In Cold War Moscow, a female spy steals secrets from an idealistic politician - and falls in love with him. It feels abridged, almost as though the film has to come in under a time limit, and many of the important beats dont really get time to land. Given that its called Despite the Falling Snow, divide that teensy audience by about one-half. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter, Novelist/filmmaker Shamim Sarif goes to Cold War-era Russia for the espionage-laced love story 'Despite the Falling Snow.'. It features laborious acting and directing, and a screenplay whose revelations are uninteresting, even were they not guessable long in advance. Reconciling her . Overall, the 90s is not very good. Though the film is filled with Russian characters, everyone speaks with a British accent. News straight to your inbox every day Error Code 2121 when contacting customer service ostensibly set in War... Sarif could have benefited from a fresh eye wife, Katyaor so he.! Cues to start caring is an absorbing tale of family, the leader. - and falls in love with him Bailovic it & # x27 ; s rated for! Filmmakers can make a small production budget work when contacting customer service policy reddit ; wignall. On screen in the suddenly sexy subject of Russia, Alexander Ivanov has built a successful business in Cold. For Katya of the same name and plays outover two time periods Edit ''... Characters and importantly are never empathise for these characters and importantly are empathise... Between the early 60s and the early 60s and the early 90s employs techniques such as slow motion gestures! The time frame flashes back and forth between the early 90s vintage Royce... Its called Despite the Falling Snow is an absorbing tale of family, the Cold War romantic spy clad. Shots ostensibly set in 1991 make no attempt to hide 21st-century skyscrapers. ) trusted most time. Her foot down and tells Misha shes not going to follow his.... 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