Queen of the Gypsies

A strongly romanticized affair, which has little in common with the harsh life of nomadic Roma at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. It is actually a costume film that, in addition to a love story in the style of "Carmen," relies on traditional Roma folklore and the thought stereotypes that Gadjos have about Roma. On the other hand, it is a decent film with quality camerawork, editing, and atmosphere. The girls are beautiful, passion exudes from individual scenes, and the vocal and dance performances are attractive. Overall impression: 60%. It is one of the few Soviet films of that time that has not aged thanks to its topic and does not show the ideological baggage that Soviet productions were characterized by for a long time. (07/03/2009)