“The Talented Mr. Ripley” by Anthony Minghella
The film transports the viewer to the summer of the late 1950s. All around is Italy and a life that feels like an endless vacation: sun-drenched beaches, yacht cruises, jazz evenings, linen suits, and the impeccable ease of being rich young people. Looking at all this, poor and inconspicuous Tom Ripley could not even dream of touching such a dream world, but fate gave him a chance. He visited paradise, albeit as a simple assistant, and instantly understood that this was his place. Thus, social luxury quickly became an obsession: for its sake, Tom absorbed someone else’s personality, someone else’s confidence, and even someone else’s name. He committed terrible acts against the backdrop of beautiful resort landscapes, whose very silence gently reminds us that “everything good should be in moderation” and that the desire to stay on vacation forever can lead to irreparable consequences. For example, to cruel manipulation and, suddenly, murder.
“Dirty Money” by Guy Ritchie
This is one of those films where the scent of luxury literally oozes summer from the screen: sun, big money, private islands, yachts, and planes all come complete with the signature chaos of Guy Ritchie. The plot centers on Eiza González, Henry Cavill, and Jake Gyllenhaal as special agents tasked with recovering a billion dollars stolen by a dangerous tycoon. But things turn out to be far from simple. The operation quickly turns into a risky adventure. Ritchie delivers the story in his signature rhythm: wry dialogue, clip editing, a non-linear plot, and the feel of a big, glossy attraction—perfect for getting in the mood for vacation. Audiences will soon be able to experience this atmosphere in theaters—the new film opens in Russia on May 21st.
The Wolf of Wall Street, Martin Scorsese
Based on the memoirs of Jordan Belfort, The Wolf of Wall Street is a whirlwind of luxury, where yachts glide across turquoise waters, private jets whisk heroes to new heights, and currency becomes the language of independence and limitless opportunity. It’s here that a young broker, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, with no experience or connections, begins his career on Wall Street, but quickly finds himself unemployed after the stock market crashes. Even then, however, Belfort doesn’t despair and creates his own firm, earning millions through dubious financial schemes and aggressive sales. Naturally, behind this dazzling façade, danger lurks in the form of an FBI investigation and, as a result, the loss of his family, business, and freedom. However, the film leaves no bitter aftertaste. On the contrary, the film charges you with daring energy and a vacation mood, as if you’ve already broken free from routine and are living in a world without boundaries and conventions.
“Triangle of Sadness” by Ruben Östlund
Another film in the selection that not only immerses you in a pleasant state of anticipation of the upcoming vacation, but also reminds the viewer of what’s important with caustic accuracy. At first, this is a world of catwalk beauty and a luxurious cruise, where the yacht is a floating palace with pools, sparkling wine, and the endless fulfillment of the whims of wealthy guests. But the further the plot goes, the more the idyll cracks. Storm, chaos, pirates, and a shipwreck interrupt the glamorous mood, leaving the heroes stranded on the island. There, social roles are reversed, and power goes to those who know how to get food and maintain control. “Triangle of Sadness” perfectly immerses you in the visual luxury of leisure, but, at the same time, makes you think about the fact that any fairy tale about wealth and relaxation always has a downside.
“Casino Royale”, Martin Campbell
In this film, style, excitement, and a privileged life are inseparable: elite casinos, impeccable suits, yachts, expensive hotels, and the Venetian swell. It seems that only against this and no other backdrop could the story of the first assignment of the young Bond at the beginning of his career unfold. Agent 007 must ruin the terrorist banker Le Chiffre by beating him in a poker tournament in Montenegro. The plot is further spiced up by the appearance of Vesper Lynd, who becomes more than just a partner to Bond—until the agent discovers she’s playing a double game. It’s that same sophisticated, tense vibe that instantly sets the mood for a vacation with a hint of risk.
The Great Gatsby, Baz Luhrmann
The film adaptation of Fitzgerald’s legendary novel, The Great Gatsby, is the embodiment of the Roaring ’20s. Here, luxury isn’t just a backdrop, it’s the very essence of society: champagne flows freely, mansions sparkle with lights, and parties on the shores of Long Island resemble wild spectacles with jazz, confetti, and a sense of perpetual celebration. But not all these lavish receptions are just for fun: one enigmatic millionaire, Jay Gatsby, cares least about social fame and status. He actually wants it all to win back Daisy Buchanan, whom he lost five years ago. He doesn’t yet know that the long-awaited meeting with his beloved will set off a chain of tragic events, revealing the failure of the “American dream” and the impossibility of returning to the past.
