Lucky Trouble (M)

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Directed by Levan Gabriadze.

Slava (Konstantin Khabenskiy) arrives in Moscow with a manuscript under his arm, hoping to publish his first novel. Before he even gets to the publishers, he receives a phone call informing him that his writing is shocking and he will never succeed because it is obvious that he knows nothing about love. Before he can even turn around he is run over by a car, driven by a guy who is more concerned about his BMW. Fortunately, this guy’s soon-to-be wife, Nadia (Milla Jovovich), more than makes up for her soon-to-be ex-fiancé. Nadia leaves Danya (Ivan Urgant) to care for Slava and the scene is set for a roller coaster ride of impossible situations.

After seeing what a bully Danya is, Nadia decides to marry Slava and things happen very rapidly. Nadia seems to spend a lot of time waiting around in a wedding dress while Slava is caught up in a series of bizarre mishaps when he returns to his hometown to tie up loose ends. The appearance of Danya at the wedding that is waiting for the groom (for 3 days!) lessens Slava’s chance of finding true love … or does it? This romantic comedy is an enjoyable romp, even if some of the situations are quite farcical.

Why is super model actress Milla Jovovich starring in a Russian box office hit, speaking fluent Russian? Apparently, she was born in Kiev to a Russian mother and Serbian father, before ending up in Los Angeles at the age of seven. She stars in Lucky Trouble, the Russian Film Festival’s opening film, on Wednesday 14 September before an opening night party. The festival continues until Wednesday 21 September at Cinema Paradiso. Collect a program or log on to www.lunapalace.com.au for film details, screening times and advanced ticket sales.

Lezly Herbert

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