What a wonderful Soviet musical film 31 June is. Beautifully done on all fronts and thoroughly entertaining as you'd expect any musical film to be. It is lovely from a visual perspective if not quite lavish, then again 31 June is made for TV, meaning not as big a budget as films for the cinema, so that can be forgiven. And that is not meant as an insult, there are some great made for TV films out there and 31 June is living proof of that. But whether it's lavish or not that doesn't matter, as 31 June is very colourful and beautifully tailored in the scenery and costumes with a real Russian fairy-tale quality. The way it's shot is very well done too, not in a cinematic sweep sort of way but full of skill and is cohesive and intimate without being obtrusive. The music is a sheer delight, very distinctively Russian while also lush and energetic as well as easy on the ear. The dancing is done with great spirit and the choreography looks elegant while reminiscent of Russian dance and culture, which was really nice to see. The script is good-natured, well-meaning and sweet, giving the drama the right amount of vigour, fun and emotional impact. The story- not always a strong point with film/TV musicals- throughout is warm-hearted and charming, with few if any dull spots. The fairy tale elements are strong and are truly magical, and we are drawn into the fairy world. The direction keeps things simple while not making things look simplistic or stage-bound, and the acting has the right amount of nobility and theatrical command, everybody seems to be really enjoying themselves and it is just as enjoyable to the audience watching as a result. In conclusion, a joy to watch and full of fun, charm and most of all magic. Done in two parts, 31 June is long at two and a half hours but is well worth it. 10/10 Bethany Cox

I have last time seen this film when I was a boy. Suddenly, 20+ years later, after a great BBQ with friends, they popped out the DVD with this movie! We watched and watched and could not interrupt even though it was really half past 11 in the night. Both parts went in one go.They knew how to make "fairy" films back there in old Soviet Union. They were always a bit philosophical (always considered a good thing to think about the movie after it's ended), a bit sad, a lot sentimental, and merry, too :) after watching it, you felt you've just became kinder to this world and people. Could even have a tear of joy coming down your cheek from the corner of one of your eyes...Normally you would see this kind of movies around New Year, one of the best holidays in Russia (just like Christmas in UK and USA). These films (plenty of them), merry parties and all that topped with two days off, made New Year holidays so fantastic back in 70's when I was a boy.Won't spoil it for you, just enough to say, try to understand what's happening around and what time are you in and why... you will get real pleasure of watching it! :)

years ago,during my visit to moscow,a few friends gave me the soundtrack "31 iyunya",when i returned to my house and listen to the disc,immediately i fell in love with the music and songs,the soundtrack it has of all the styles of music,pop, ballads,melodic music,rock and even a charleston!!!!.definitevily it is a good soundtrack of a musicalfilm,no i have been lucky to see "31 iyunya",but i am sure that it is good musical film.and expect to be able some day to see this wonderful piture,thank you very much to all those who did possibly "31 iyunya" from spain,a lover of the musical cinema- chema

I think it's one of the best Russian musicals of 70-th. It's really very beauty film: many dances (performed by soloists of Bolshoi Theatre), wonderful playing of Russian actors. And amazing music by Alexander Zatsepin, especially main song "Zhdu tebja" - (I'm waiting for you).