Mimino

Mimino is a 1977 Soviet comedy-drama film directed by Georgiy Daneliya. The film tells the story of Valiko Mizandari, a Georgian helicopter pilot who is afraid of heights. To escape his frustrating life and a woman he is not in love with, Valiko decides to become a flight attendant for Aeroflot, the Soviet airline. He travels to Moscow and undergoes training, adopting the more Russian-sounding name "Mimino" for his new profession.

In Moscow, Mimino meets Rubik Khachikyan, an Armenian dishwasher who dreams of visiting his relatives in America. The two unlikely friends bond over their shared desire for a better life and their misunderstandings of the world around them. Mimino struggles with his fear of flying and the superficiality of his new life, while Rubik navigates his own aspirations and the challenges of life in the Soviet Union.

The film is known for its gentle humor, poignant observations on human nature, and its portrayal of everyday life in the Soviet era. It explores themes of friendship, loneliness, and the search for identity. Mimino's journey is one of self-discovery, as he grapples with his fears and ultimately finds a sense of purpose. The film was a significant success in the Soviet Union and remains a beloved classic. Vakhtang Kikabidze stars as Mimino, and Frunzik Mkrtchyan plays Rubik.