ADAM’S RIB

Not since “Moscow Does Not Believe In Tears” has Russia produced such a likeable, sophisticated comedy. The gloom that has pervaded so much perestroika?era cinema is conspicuously absent in this bittersweet comedy about three generations of Russian women living under one roof: Nastia, the older daughter, who is having an affair with her married boss; Nina, the rebellious teenage daughter; their catatonic, bedridden grandmother; and their exasperated, twice-divorced mother who wails that the best years of her life are being ruined by the other three. The unavoidable love-hate fireworks are confined to the famdy's tiny apartment. An excellent script and ensemble acting, and a delightful touch of magic, make this one of the year's best films. -Forrest S. Ciesol