Before I go on, let me just say that v2 and v3 of this series is nothing like the first. Not even close. This series keeps you on your toes: 3 Naval cadets in trouble from one side or the other. Yet, they have a key to Russia. But can they trust anyone, sometimes not even each other - or so it seems. Intrigue is what makes this series great.Seeing it as a kid back in early 90's, I could not comment on acting, since I was neither qualified nor I had anything to compare it to. While, I don't think acting was that great, it was above average. The music and singing usually ruin a movie for me, but in this case, it was pretty good.Overall I think it's 9/10. I am not sure what can make it better though.

This movie deserves way much more than an 8. It is so amazing and I love everyone in it. The second movie is not as good and I haven't even seen the third, but I do know that this one is one that you have to re-watch every year. Not because it's a tradition(after awhile it is though), but because you want. You want to see it again and again. I was raised in Canada, but this movie has stuck with me. I love the singing and acting, and some of the lines are just priceless! You would think that if I grew up in Canada I wouldn't even understand Russian, but I do and it is my most valued possession since I get to understand suck wonderful movies. This film is one that you have to watch, have too! And then you'll love it! This is definitely a movie for centuries! :D

I have always LOVED the movie! Back when I lived in the former Soviet Union, I used to use lines from it over and over again in the every day life. No, I am not a "professional" immigrant - I have been here for only slightly over one year, but I have already encountered the main, in my humble opinion, reason that makes the immigrants so "home sick" - the complete and total lack of ANYTHING showing the Americans the REAL Russian soul. All most of them know is what was said about us during the Cold War. Now... This picture to me has always been the true example of Russian patriotism, ability to love and do crazy things for your loved one, and, of course, the Russian BANYA! The "killing of the French" scene with the famous "What have you done?" with French accent is just a killer! If only I could find it with English subtitles...

I must have seen this movie 50 or more times ever since it came out in 1987. The acting is awesome, the directing and the writing is great and so are the sets and the costumes (for russian budgets in the 80's anyway) If this movie had Hollywood budgets, it would be so Oscar-worthy. Great music, amazing songs, great voices (that is if you understand russian songwriting). Anyway, I gew up with this movie and to me it's a classic! Sergei Zhigunov is a hottie!!!