A Piece of Sky (1980 film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Founder | Henrik Malyan (director) |
| Products | Romantic comedy-drama film |
A Piece of Sky (also referred to as A Slap in the Face; ; ) is a 1980 Soviet film blending romance, comedy, and drama, directed by Henrik Malyan. It is adapted from the story "Light Blue Flowers" by Vahan Totovents. The narrative uses the romantic relationship between Torik, a timid and socially isolated saddle maker, and Anjel, a prostitute, to offer a critique of societal attitudes.
Plot
Torik, an orphan, is brought up by his aunt Turnanta and his uncle Grigor-agha, who crafts saddles for donkeys. Following his uncle's passing, Torik assumes control of the saddle-making trade but faces difficulty in finding a spouse due to his marginalized position. When a group of prostitutes arrives in the town, Torik encounters Anjel and develops feelings for her. Despite facing societal disapproval, he is determined to marry her. Together, these outcasts confront social conventions and pursue acceptance through customary ceremonies.
Cast
- Frunzik Mkrtchyan – Grigor-agha
- Sofiko Chiaureli – Turvanda
- Ashot Adamyan – Torik
- Galina Belyayeva – Anjel
- Tigran Voskanyan – Teenage Torik
- Arsen Kuyumjyan – Young Torik
- Arshavir Geodakyan – Asatur, butcher
- Armen Khostikyan – Factory worker
- Marie Rose Abousefian – Factory worker's wife
- Galya Novents – Hovakim's wife
- Harutyun Movsisyan – Arsen, butcher's apprentice
- Azat Sherents – Priest
- Leonard Sarkisov – Hairdresser
- Alexander Galibin – Sasha
- Aleksandr Hovhannisyan – Teacher
- Natalya Krachkovskaya – Prostitute
- Evelina Shahiryan – Prostitute
- Meline Hamamjyan – Mariam, neighbour
- Rafael Kotanjyan – Womanizer
- Mayis Gharagyozyan – Karaseryan
Reception
In 1980, Janet Maslin from The New York Times characterized the movie as being performed and directed with utmost straightforwardness, appreciating its unpretentious nature. The Armenian Reporter commended its lively pace and vibrant spirit, particularly noting the effectiveness of its unexpected conclusion.
Awards
Sofiko Chiaureli was honored with the People's Artist of the Armenian SSR award for her performance. The film was featured at several notable festivals such as the San Remo Film Festival, the Toronto Film Festival in 1983, and the BYU International Cinema Festival of Comedy in 1985.
At the 14th Vilnius All-Union Film Festival held in 1981, director Henrik Malyan received the Best Director accolade, Tigran Mansuryan won for Best Music, and Ashot Adamyan was acknowledged as the festival’s most charismatic actor.