Coming Out Of The Ice (1982)
Posted by George Anderson on Mar 12th 2022
No system is perfect, but history suggests there was a lot to dislike about the regime of Russia from roughly the 1920 era to about the 1990's. (And in 2022, it is still clear from events that "no system is perfect....")
This movie (my old VHS and this DVD) appears old and grainy but that is somehow appropriate for this very engaging true story. It is very close to the book by the real-life participants - and to the experiences of a Ukrainian friend, now long deceased. A well told story, also very educational, and a free people should be aware of it.
I visited Russia in 1993 and it had been much improved by a breath of freedom - but still I noticed the huge department store in Moscow had zero toys in the toy department, no lightbulbs in the long, entirely dark corridor where one must follow a sticky railing to a restaurant, and little but concrete and red paint (aside from a few state or tourist sites) to entertain the eye anywhere. In my trip report I wrote, "The people were very nice, friendly, helpful and seemed capable." However, (I am a mechanical engineer so I can say this) it was like the society, though recovering, had been designed by a particularly boring engineer with boring orders from a tiny club of powerful but boring atheists. Not much profit to the individual, and much that was not attractive to the eye. So, I also wrote in 1993, "It is as if even bright flowers might offend the regime and even the damn bees must be ordered to pollinate." Little incentive to delight a buyer, therefore little joy or competition - little life force or 'vitality' - in providing excellence in products or services. As I said, many wonderful people; but the Gulag testified to some fundamental error in conception.
In the current 2022 invasion of Ukraine everyone perhaps can see the continuing political costs of a socialist, partly crony-capitalist, 'buttoned down' population under an authoritarian tradition.
Long live 'the people': individuals with the true power of 'competitive real information', arms and the vote, joy and thankfulness, free enterprise, freedom of religion and expression, delight in service and improvement, wisely limited government, the benefits and inclusion of a democratic republic, and many other fruits of our religious traditions and Constitution! (However, I repeat: in 2022, it is still clear that "NO system is perfect....")
Posted by RC on Sep 23rd 2020
Only company to have the DVD I wanted for a gift. Great service. Will continue to use this company
Posted by Jon Damon on Mar 6th 2018
A realistic portrayal of Victor Herman's experiences in Stalin's gulag. Willie Nelson appears in good supporting role. Recommended.
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