The 1971 Science Fiction drama short subject Ulybka, which translates to “Smile,” is based on Ray Bradbury’s short story “The Smile.” It was filmed in Russia at Saratov at the amateur film studio “Poisk,” written and directed by Mikhail Rall.

The story first depicts images of a nuclear war. It proceeds to a desolate landscape with ruined remnants of civilization. In this dystopian post-apocalyptic society, the sad survivors destroy any reminders of the former civilization, probably from fear of another war. These misguided misfits attack anything that reminds them of the old life and brag about it.

The main character is young Tom, played by V. Umnov. Tom, who appears teenaged, is possibly too young to remember life before the war, and an old man, played by S. Mamaev, guides and advises him before an event for which a crowd has gathered. Tom is horrified by their actions and commits an act of rebellion.

Reportedly Soviet party officials ordered the film burned. The director was secretly given negatives from the lab allowing the film to be fully restored, with dialogue, music, and all. I would have preferred listening to the original dialogue with subtitles but somehow on the YouTube copy without meaning to I managed to turn on both subtitles and an audio track automatically translating dialogue to English. The subtitles and audio track did not match although sometimes they said the same thing in different words. The audio track made a lot more sense so from now on I may just go with that despite my preferences for hearing original dialogue in foreign films.

Soviet officials ordering the film destroyed is sad and ironic especially considering the subject matter, but perfectly to be expected. The setting alone would raise objections as during the Soviet era in Russia, no one was allowed to photograph anything uncomplimentary or unflattering, so it’s remarkable the film even got made. Everyone involved is to be commended for their bravery in participating. The story teaches non-conformity and disobedience to social norms, as Tom acts to preserve a work of beauty despite all forces aligned against him and the work. It is also anti-war during an era where Russia was facing off against western civilization.

The black-and-white cinematography and chaotic music well portray a distressing future. The film follows the Bradbury story well and the acting is pretty good. Scenes from this film have often been used in other films. This is recommended viewing.