The Deputy's Hour

The eternal “housing question” in Russia is taken on by Serafimov, a young and principled city council deputy, who is determined to help his constituents. In the end, he manages not only to secure a new building for the veterans of the brick factory—made from the very bricks they once produced—but also to have them all housed under one roof, so they wouldn’t feel the pain of separation after leaving their crowded communal apartments.

Directed by Aleksandr Pavlovskiy, The Deputy's Hour leans on a strong ensemble — Volodymyr Volkov, Mykola Hrynko, Nadezhda Shumilova — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1981.