Happy New Year

I believe that in Russia there's a sort of tradition that every New Year's Eve people sit down in front of the television to watch probably the ultimate New Year's movie - Ирония судьбы, или С лёгким паром! (The Irony of Fate, or Enjoy Your Bath!) It is one of my favourite Russian movies, and it's one of those films that you just refuse to believe that someone somewhere might dislike them. That idea is preposterous, really. If you've never watched it, I recommend it because it's a classic. And yes, I end up watching it every New Year's Eve as well. ^_^ It just draws you in, you can't help it.

The story is bizarre and magical, the humour is beyond hilarious, and every song is amazing. So I thought it was appropriate to wish myself and the random person who might read this a Happy New Year with the classic song "Eсли у вас нету тёти" ("If You Don't have an Aunt"). What matters even more than the upbeat pace and vigorous feel of the song is the optimism in the lyrics. It's a beloved and instantly recognizable song that makes me smile and sing along every time I hear it.

Official cinema poster for Ирония судьбы, или С лёгким паром! (1975)
Source: wikipedia

And just because I'm a music freak, it's impossible for me not to acknowledge the saddest most beautiful song of lost love that was featured in the film. "Я спросил у ясеня" gets me every time, especially the last lines when the question that the man asks from the trees and the moon and the clouds is finally answered. The song truly breaks your heart every time.