I think it's a movie about Russia. An Italian illusionist and stooge fooling well-to-do people with occult and magic like illusionist tricks, perhaps a copy of modern Copperfield, but with emphasis on occult, spiritualism, however presented as secret knowledge, and finally a businessman, comes on tour to Russia, where he hopes to find lots of rich monkeys who are ready to give their brilliants and money to the mystical stooge, who offers his magic for solving their problems. Has he succeeded ? Watch the movie. The Love formula opens in very simple, everyday things, so trivial as "greatest magician of all times" going in bed with flu and is watched by the village doctor who doesn't give a care about all his "magical" bluff, and softly mocks the "magical" show off, while the police is already on his heels.

This movie definitely deserves 10/10. A brilliant piece of pure art. This is an outstanding example of how real movies are being made, especially the low budget ones. I can understand totally the above-mentioned reviewer for not understanding the beauty of it. I am sorry to say but this movie is not for simpleminded rednecks around /if any/. I highly doubt if any viewer not with Russian roots can understand the high satire of Alexey Tolstoi *for simpleminded also - this is NOT Lev Nikolayevich who wrote WAR AND PEACE, he is SF (mostly) author!* This is undoubtedly one of the best in its genre and it is definitely worth looking. I had the tremendous pleasure of buying this gem on DVD in Moscow and have watched it several times since. Greatly recommended!

This one of the films which can be used as a test for ones intelligence. It calls for an ability to understand subtle multilayered humor, hints, double-meanings and symbolisms. It`s rating speaks for itself. Where else can you see such a mixture of humor and philosophy. First the phrase brings the laughter, but leaves you thinking further and further.Everything is so full of talent, wit and kind wisdom, that it grabs you even if you watch it for hundred times. This is a quality of real art.The script is written by Gorin, who is da Vinci of satirical humor, most of the text has already embedded itself into a former Soviet country modern day folklore.

Mark Zakharov being my favourite director, I would say this is not one of his best movies. And maybe this is just because I don't like the plot (you know, all of that Caliostro things), because the cast and the quality of acting is impressive. Also, there are a number of funny statements in the movie, and a bit of romance. Overall, you could watch this one if you need another Sunday-style-mild-comedy. But I would rather recommend Tot Samiy Munchgausen, which is by far the best of Zakharov's movies. Still 6.5 out of 10.