A different way of telling a story

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

Mostly, the movie is committed to the value of a good time.

Watching it is like watching the spectacle of a class clown at their best: you laugh at their jokes, instigate their defiance, and "ooooh" when they get in trouble.

Many Soviet films were heartwarming and apolitical. This could have just as easily been a heartwarming romcom made in the states (perhaps it was back in the 1940's or 1950's and I missed it). Being Soviet/Russian, the humor is subtle and sometimes there's more going on than meets the eye or something happens and before you have time to consider it, the plot has quickly moved on. A soldier arranges for 7 girls each with something different to offer to meet him along the railway. There are different elements of Soviet life portrayed in each meeting. One is at a university, another is in a big city and another in the countryside. Americans would call this a "road trip" film. It's sad that in the states, there's not much to enjoy about riding the rails but even now in Russia and Europe, it's possible to see a lot of the world without needing to get into a car. As a man, watching the film is amusing because the protagonist throws away relationships with wonderful women simply to move onto the next big thing meaning you hate and love the guy at different times but you never take anything too seriously.