Kruzheva (1928) - A weirdly stylish look at factory drama

You should watch this if you have a soft spot for grainy, black-and-white history or if you just like seeing how people used to dress in the 20s. People who need explosions and fast talking will absolutely hate it. It is a silent movie from 1928, so you have to be in a specific kind of mood. 🧵

I sat down with this one expecting a dry lecture about factory work. It is actually much more about attitude and how kids act when they are bored.

The story is basically the Komsomol activists vs. the hooligans. The hooligans are way more fun to watch, even if the movie wants you to think they are losers. One guy has this smirk that makes you think he’s about to start a fight or just steal your lunch.

The factory scenes are surprisingly cool. The way the machines move is filmed with this weird, rhythmic energy that almost feels like a music video. You can almost hear the clatter of the looms even though the movie is silent.

Vladimir Mayakovsky helped write the script. You can tell because the titles have this punchy, poetic vibe to them. It does not feel as heavy as some other movies from that time, like maybe Konets roda Lunich which is much more of a slog.

There is a specific shot of a lace pattern being formed that is actually quite beautiful. It lingers for a bit too long, but I didn't mind. It gave me a second to think about how much work went into making stuff back then.

The acting is very theatrical. Lots of big eye movements and clutching of chests. Nina Shaternikova has these massive eyes that seem to take up half the screen when she is worried. Which is often.

I noticed a weird smudge on the lens during one of the outdoor scenes. It looks like a little bug was crawling on the camera. It’s those little imperfections that make me love these old reels. 📽️

The conflict feels a bit dated, obviously. The 'activists' are so incredibly earnest it becomes kind of funny. They spend a lot of time looking heroic against the sky.

One of the hooligans wears a hat that is definitely two sizes too small. I couldn't stop looking at it during his big argument scene. It kept wobbling while he was trying to look tough.

It reminds me a bit of the mechanical obsession you see in Vintik-Shpintik, but with real people instead of animations. The focus on how things are built is a big theme here.

The ending is a bit abrupt. It feels like they ran out of film or just decided everyone had learned their lesson. But the journey through the factory floor is worth the price of admission. Or the time spent clicking play.

If you like seeing how montage works when it is still being invented, give it a go. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s got a lot of heart and some very cool shadows. Just don't expect a deep plot about the lace industry itself. It is mostly about the drama. 🍿