Peculiarities of the National Hunt

Raivo, a young Finnish man, arrives in Russia with the intention of studying traditional Russian hunting manners and customs. He is introduced to his hosts, including the eccentric band led by former Russian general Ivolgin, in a rural Russian forest setting. Initial expectations are high for an elegant, grand hunt reminiscent of historical Russia.

Raivo quickly realizes that the hunt is far from the majestic event he envisioned. Instead, it turns into a series of boozy misadventures with the group engaging in humorous and chaotic activities. The group's eccentric members, including Kuz’mich, behave in outlandish ways, disrupting traditional hunting ideals.

During their drunken escapades, a bear unexpectedly sneaks into their banya (Russian bathhouse) and terrorizes the members for a period of time. This incident exemplifies the chaotic and unpredictable nature of their adventures in the Russian wilderness.

The group experiences various run-ins with local authorities and mishaps such as a Militsiya officer losing his pistol, Lev accidentally blowing up a stick of dynamite, and missing cows disrupting their activities. These events add to the slapstick humor that characterizes the film.

Kuz’mich attempts to transport a cow to his relative using a bomber aircraft in exchange for a bottle of vodka. This bizarre event emphasizes the absurdity and humor rooted in traditional hunting tales within the story.

The group meets various local milkmaids, and humorous moments include missing cows and a cow thought to be shot during the hunt that unexpectedly comes to life and tries to escape. These incidents highlight the chaotic and humorous tone of their misadventures.

Raivo dreams of an organized, high-class hunt inspired by 19th-century Russia, featuring hunting dogs, horses, and a giant wolf, speaking French, and oozing elegance. This ideal is starkly contrasted with the current chaotic, alcohol-fueled hunt happening around him.

The group tries to conduct a proper hunt but experiences odd and surreal events such as finding a pineapple in a hedgerow, observing Earth visible in the sky, and a missing cow, believed to be shot down, coming back to life and trying to flee.

Despite the chaos, the group’s hunt ultimately ends without the traditional success, showcasing the chaotic and humorous essence of their adventure. The focus shifts from an actual hunt to the ridiculous stories they create.

As the movie wraps up, the cast sits around a campfire, blending the two contrasting worlds of the structured ideal hunt and the chaotic reality. This scene symbolizes the merging of dreams and misadventures, closing the story with a reflective tone.