Old Films about the Essentials
"Old Films about the Essentials" is a documentary series by Dzen about how Russian cinema of different eras has reflected on important values: friendship, responsibility, morality, love, patriotism, and family. Familiar films become part of the history of cinema and a reflection of their time—its ideals, concerns, and notions of the right life. /2026
Childhood
This series explores the evolution of Soviet animation, from simple educational plots to deep, multi-layered stories. Using key cartoons as examples, it shows how animation taught children and adults loyalty, acceptance of others' imperfections, respect for personal boundaries, and the ability to make friends. Throughout history, these films have helped children, without being preachy, find moral compass and grow up.
Friendship
This series traces the evolution of the concept of "friendship" in Soviet and late Soviet cinema through four films. It ranges from camaraderie united by a shared goal to mutual support, memories of shared experiences, and solidarity among those rejected by society. Circumstances and the language of cinema have changed, but friendship remains a force that helps people maintain dignity and persevere.
Love
The series traces the changing image of love in Russian cinema, from the Stalin era to the post-Soviet era. The romance of shared work and collective ideals gradually gives way to the right to make mistakes, mature choices, and love as a support during times of life change. Through the characters' stories, the series shows how society's ideas about relationships, intimacy, and personal happiness have evolved.
Responsibility
The series explores the evolution of the concept of "responsibility" in Soviet cinema through the lens of a young protagonist. The narrative traces the changing notions of coming of age—from Stalin's service to the collective and the country to the Thaw's rebellion against the system, the stagnant generational conflict, and, finally, the perestroika-era sense of responsibility solely to oneself in a world without direction. As a result, responsibility emerges as a key stage in the development of personality, changing along with the ideals and anxieties of each era.
Family
The series explores how the image of family and attitudes toward it have changed in Russian cinema across different eras. The narrative traces the evolution of family values—from the complete subordination of personal life to state collectivism to a focus on private feelings, the role of women, and the search for intimacy in an era of disintegrating ideals. As a result, the films reflect the history of the entire country, showing how different generations' perceptions of family, responsibility, home, and mutual support have evolved.
Moral
This series explores the concept of "morality" in Soviet cinema. The narrative unfolds the path of ethical choice—from the corrosive influence of absolute power to the artist's spiritual responsibility for their work, and finally to the ultimate choice between physical survival and one's own conscience. As a result, these films emerge not simply as a history of cinema, but as a profound conversation about fidelity to one's ideals, human dignity, and inner moral strength in the most difficult trials.
Patriotism
The series explores the development of patriotism in Soviet cinema. Joint research with experts shows how love for the Motherland evolved from revolutionary collectivism and images of folk heroes to personal fortitude, compassion, remembrance of the price of victory, and, ultimately, a profound understanding of the tragedy of war for the sake of its non-recurrence. As a result, patriotism emerges not as a rigid slogan, but as an evolving ability to see one's country's history in its entirety—with all its pain, heroism, and gratitude.