Although not too many people outside the land that produced this picture have even heard of it, it may be one of the best TV movies ever made, plain and simple. And, probably, the best one delivered by the great tandem of Russian film-makers Grigori Gorin (writing) and Mark Zakharov (directing) – with "The House That Swift Built" being the close second.The script is nothing less than brilliant. The general concept is original enough as we happen to be presented not with fairly funny narratives invented by the legendary Baron Munchausen, but rather with the fairly dramatic story of the Baron himself. Which is complemented by an interesting take on the title character that turns him from a nobleman and famous raconteur into a noble dissenter and romantic rebel. But the development and dialogue still bring it to another level. The latter is virtually entirely comprised of quotable witticisms. And the whole construction explores serious problems like freedom and conformity, personal happiness and personal integrity, the hypocrisy of a society and the way it tends to treat those who choose to challenge its norms and confines. Since it's a TV movie featuring a cast of superb stage performers, the realization is overtly theatrical. But it is so in the best way possible.Given that, as far as the dialogue is concerned, all phrases and inflections matter, an excellent translation is of the essence here. But if you manage to get one you won't regret a bit of your effort while enjoying every minute of this piece. This movie is very clever and funny but also filled with some wonderfully moving poetry. So it's likely to make you both cry with laughter and smile through the tears.

If you are truly human, this is a film for you.Multifaceted, humorous and tragic at the same time, full of wit, sarcasm, love, devotion, and reflections on life and the world as a whole, for me personally, this is the best film ever made, and I don't say this lightly.Every aspect of this film is a masterpiece. Actor performances are superb, with Oleg Yankovsky playing perhaps the best role of his life here. The soundtrack is beautiful and touching. The dialogue is funny yet very deep at the same time. The film leaves you with a whirlwind of feelings, and leaves tremendous amounts of food for thought for months afterward....And if you start watching it, and feel that it's boring or not very funny - just leave it, and never look back. It's probably not your kind of film, then.

The film is based on a brilliant screenplay by G. Gorin.It uses an all-star cast of some of the best Soviet theater actors, so it borrows a lot (in a good way) from a theatrical performance, while still remaining a "movie".The film succeeded in creatng a witty, powerful, sentimental yet funny story of a very uneven battle between color and dullness, between personal freedom, especially freedom of mind, and constricting pressure of conformist society that tries to destroy anybody who refuses to be just like everybody else.I gave it 9 points.

Do not confuse this with the dreadful eighties version from Hollywood. They both contain a central character called Baron Von Munchaussen and that is it! Oleg Yankovsky gives his funniest performance ever as the title character who refuses to give to give up his own beliefs even though it would get him the thing he most desires in this world. (no more for fear of spoilers) I can not remember which film or book, but someone once said that 'a mans honour is his gift to himself.' and that is what this film is about if you are looking for a meaning,.......But that does not matter! If you are American and did not get the humour of Monty Python I am afraid this is also going to go whoosh, straight over your head too. Sorry if that offends, you probably do not think the Hitch Hickers Guide to the Galaxy was a particularly funny book either. The jokes and innuendo just fly non-stop from all the players. By far the best of the Mark Zakharov films.I would have given in so that I could marry Marta!