Airplanski is one of my favourite documentary films that, because of wise use of a VCR, I've managed to view it more than once. After the fall of communist rule in Russia the national airline -Aeroflot- was broken up into many regional airlines, or Babyflots. This film charts the sometimes worrying, often frustrating and frequently bizarre journeys made by passengers on this once mighty giant of the skies. There are interviews with several pilots (who are seen to be drinking large vodkas before flying) traveling buisnessmen and flight attendants. The stories told reference Aeroflots pilots who, we're told, could land giant bombers on aircraft carriers at night in the depth of arctic blizzards whilst doing their military service- so flying a civilian aircraft should be no problem. From The loading of aircraft passengers from both ends at once to prevent the aircraft tipping up and missing lapbelts and seats not bolted to floors to styrofoam cups with teethmarks in them. The film successfully mixes humour and a kind of sadness in the right amount that makes this charming little movie an utterly compelling 70 minute view. Watch it, Comrade!
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