This month, Nat, Cody, and Robert explore comedy in the Soviet world with 1986’s KIN-DZA-DZA!.
KIN-DZA-DZA! is a 1986 science fiction / comedy directed by Georgiy Daneliya. Two Soviet men find themselves transported across the galaxy to a dystopian planet of mind-readers. And it happens to be one of the strangest films that’s ever been part of the podcast. And one of the most unique.
KIN-DZA-DZA! feels like something that isn’t totally an alien relic visually. There’s a lot that feels like a cross between Terry Gilliam and MAD MAX. Visually, it’s quite impressive. Even the Soviet era special effects draw praise.
But does it all translate to 21st century American tastes and culture? That we all wrestle with and try to come up with explanations we think fit. Is the film’s insistence that the alien insistence that yellow pants equals a higher caste a reference to blue jeans culture? We certainly aren’t experts, but we have our theories. Especially since every alien the native Earthlings meet wants to rip them off.
Given the fact that we are not residents of the 1980s Soviet Union, we probably missed a bunch of context. But isn’t puzzling out the meanings of foreign films part of the fun of the movies?
If that’s not enough, we also take a look back at 2025 in movies. Our highs, our lows, trends, things we missed, and more.
No need for to read minds to enjoy the podcast; give us a play below or download the episode. Also, feel free to let us know what you think by commenting on our page at Facebook or you can Email Us at skiespocast@gmail.com as we appreciate feedback.
Time tracks:
0:00:00 – KIN-DZA-DZA! Discussion
0:43:26 – 2025 in Movies Discussion
1:07:29- Next Movie and Outro
Next month, we deal with the end of the world and Cold War fears with On the Beach. We hope you’ll join us.
