Valera

Twelve-year-old Valera lives with his parents in a small village. In the boy's family, everything is subordinated to one thing: the accumulation of wealth. Valera's life is also filled with this. He does not play or run around like other children, but works all day long. Even fishing is not a pleasure for the boy, but a way to earn more money. But one day while fishing, Valera met a stranger who asked him to find him temporary accommodation. Valera brought Arkady Sergeyevich to his home — and from that moment on, he had a true friend and protector. Under the influence of this man, Valera realized that he couldn't live the way his family did.

Directed by Boris Rytsarev, Valera leans on a strong ensemble — Vladimir Zelenin, Lyubov Sokolova, Aleksei Mironov — 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 1965.