Somewhat disappointed

Finally all hell broke loose and the film was released in April 2011. Shown both at cinemas and available to purchase on DVD on Russian sites.

I largely agree with the review by Jan from Belgium. The film does contain some very good moments, but also some weaker ones. In my opinion, it is no match Bortko's much longer, later version.

Adapting a novel such as Master and Margarita is always going to be a major challenge, inter alia because the book is so well known in Russia in particular, full of symbols, hidden clues and unclear passages. In fact, there are many competing theories as to the meaning of some of the major events and how the author related to it. One has to remember that it was written in the 1930s, under Stalinist repression.

I believe Kara succeeded in some parts more than in others. The first half is quite good. The third quarter, the ball thrown by Satan and the run-up to it seem excessively long and contain unnecessary detail. I also found the music disturbing at times.

Some of the characters are played brilliantly. Among the major roles, worth highlighting Pilate, Koroviev/Fagot, Voland, the poet Bezdomny. Others are somewhat lacking, such as Margarita herself (who, at times, looks plain frivoulous) or The Master, who does not communicate much. Their relationship does not have much going for it either.

I found the film too bent on comedy, with no suffering portrayed.

Would I recommend this film? Yes, of course. Particularly if you get to see the Director's cut version, the full 200 minutes of it. Could it be improved? I guess so, especially the 3rd series.