Kin-dza-dza! - Utterly Bizarre (and Brilliant?) Soviet Sci-Fi

Okay, so I just finished watching Kin-dza-dza! (1986) and...wow. Just wow. I feel like I need a solid week to fully process what I just witnessed. I honestly wasn't sure what to expect going in, other than 'weird Soviet satire', but it's so much more than that. It's like a fever dream translated onto film. The whole concept of 'kts' as the ultimate currency and social status, the Chattl-Paqs with their little bells, it's all just utterly bonkers and darkly hilarious. I was particularly struck by the emptiness of Pluke. The desolate landscapes, the drab clothing, it all felt so oppressively hopeless. And the constant bowing and scraping, the absurd hierarchies... it's a pretty biting commentary on social structures, even if I'm probably missing half the references being a non-Soviet raised person. The scene where they try to "sing" is just pure comedic genius. It's so awkward and sad and yet totally captivating. I also found myself weirdly invested in Gedevan Alexandrovich (Violinist) and Uef (the Georgian student's) struggle to get back home. Poor guys are just trying to live a semi good life and get back to their home planet. Honestly, it's one of those films that's so strange and unique that its hard to know if I actually liked it in the traditonal sense. But I know that I'll be thinking about it for a long time. It's definitely not for everyone – if you need a clear plot and easily digestible themes, steer clear. But if you're up for something truly bizarre and thought-provoking, definitely give Kin-dza-dza! a shot. Just be prepared to scratch your head a lot. Does anyone know if there are any other movies that are similar in tone? I'm now craving more of this specific brand of strange. Maybe I can find another film to watch for my channel. If you have any reccomdations leave a comment!