Is If You Want To Be Happy Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1974)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of If You Want To Be Happy (1974), audiences are invited back into the world of Drama. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Andrei and Tanya love each other, which is why frequent partings are so difficult for them: Andrei is a test pilot, and Tanya works on television, and both are constantly on business trips. They have two sons — twins. For eight years of marriage, they cannot count a total of three when they were together. And yet they are happy..."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Zhanna Bolotova does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is If You Want To Be Happy worth your time? If you appreciate Drama films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, If You Want To Be Happy is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 68 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.