I watched the new film “The Master and Margarita” (2024) in the cinema. What was this all about, what does the book have to do with it?

The long-awaited film based on the novel by Mikhail Bulgakov, “The Master and Margarita,” directed by Mikhail Lokshina, has opened in Russian box office.

The film adaptation topped the premier list and beats the ratings. The first viewers praised the film, but there were also those who considered the film a “humiliation of the original.”

We have already watched the new product and will hasten to share our impressions. Which one did she get? Let’s figure it out.

The film reimagines the original book

What is the movie about: Moscow, 1930s. A famous adult writer suddenly finds himself at the center of a literary scandal. The performance based on his plays is removed from the repertoire, his colleagues demonstratively avoid meeting, and in a matter of days he turns into an outcast. Soon after this, he meets Margarita, who becomes his lover and muse.

Inspired by her love and support, the writer takes on a new novel in which the characters are people from his environment, and the main character is the mysterious Woland, whose prototype is a recent foreign acquaintance. The writer gradually immerses himself in the world of his novel and ceases to notice how fiction and reality are intertwined in one understanding.

I’ll say right away that you shouldn’t expect a page-by-page rewrite of the book from the picture. Here the plot is rethought and differs from the history that is taught in schools.

And this is where the power of the new screen lies. Her cannot be called secondary. Quite a lot of films based on the novel have been copied over the years, so the authors had to take the second path to get from other film adaptations.

One way or another, it won’t work without comparisons with the book.

The film places a great emphasis on the Master and Woland. And although it lasts a little less than 3 hours, it was not possible to fit in all the events of the novel. However, all important plot points have been redone and adapted for the modern viewer. In 2024, this plot is perceived especially acutebecause it talks about the duplicity of power and terrible censorship, which drives the writer crazy.

Compared to other film adaptations, including the famous TV series, the new product looks like a great fan fiction based on it. No, they adhere to the original plot, but often they deviate from the narratives that are known to everyone.

The film is kept in gloomy tones and even gives almost no hints of hope. General condemnation, the heavy burden of the author of the play “Pontius Pilate” (yes, now it’s a play) and many other negative factors put pressure on the viewer throughout the entire running time.

“The Master and Margarita” 2024 is straight forward story with a completed ending. But it is full of liberties and deviations from the original idea, which is why many fans of Bulgakov’s work may not like it. On the other hand, this solution allows even those who know the novel to watch the film to watch it by heart.

Of particular interest was Woland, played by August Diehl, known for many Hollywood films, including Inglourious Spectators. He was able to convey the entire emotional spectrum of the mysterious character and create a mystery around it with their gestures and facial expressions.

In general, the character of Dila is given the lion’s share of the narrative here. And the original title of the film – “Woland” – would have suited him better.

No less interesting was the love story between the Master and Margarita, on which special emphasis was placed. It’s interesting to follow the development of the lovers’ relationship, and this is almost the main love line in recent years, which doesn’t make you sick. It is staged superbly and is organically woven into the plot.

But, again, due to the attempt of the film’s authors to “reinvent” the original book, many viewers will leave the theater disappointed.

The atmosphere is conveyed perfectly, you get into it from the first minutes

I want to express special respect to the directors. They were able to do something incredible, you are immersed in the madness of the writers from the first minutes and empathize with all the characters until the end. You can literally feel the pain and feel all the “obscurantism” of Woland’s retinue.

This is a beautiful movie where attention is paid great attention to detail. Even with the opening scene you are immediately drawn into it. The finale with Yulia Snigir in the video Margarita learned to give you goosebumps.

The actors naturally got used to their roles and conveyed the characters perfectly. There are many effective and impressive scenes here, albeit in a free form. Some of them create real drive. The local universe is thought out to the smallest detail. It is clear that the creator worked meticulously on the painting.

Of course, the topic of religion is also constantly raised here. But at the same time no one doesn’t impose, for this special respect. But don’t expect philosophical discussions like in the original. This is, first and foremost, an entertaining movie. And for his part, he does a good job of tackling themes of love, death and life at the same time.

Definitely worth a watch, even if you’re a fan of the books.

Of course, The Master and Margarita of 2024 has its own plot. But he also catches it in order to see the original story from the other side.

No one can outdo a classic who has been writing a novel for 20 years. However, the new film adaptation is of genuine interest. And thanks to the high-quality production, 2.5-3 hours fly by unnoticed.

Those who are indifferent after watching it definitely don’t matter. People are clearly divided into two camps: fans and haters. And it’s good that such a movie evokes true emotions.