Games for Schoolchildren[1] or Well, Come On, Smile;[2] (Estonian: Naerata ometi) is a 1985 Soviet Estonian drama film directed by Arvo Iho and Leida Laius. The film was loosely based on the 1963 short story Kasuema (Stepmother) by Estonian author Silvia Rannamaa.
| Games for Schoolchildren | |
|---|---|
| Naerata ometi | |
| Directed by | Arvo Iho Leida Laius |
| Written by | Silvia Rannamaa [et] Marina Sheptunova [ru] |
| Starring | Monika Järv Hendrik Toompere Jr. Tauri Tallermaa |
| Cinematography | Arvo Iho |
| Music by | Lepo Sumera |
Production company | Tallinnfilm |
Release date | 1985 |
Running time | 85 minutes |
| Country | Soviet Union |
| Language | Estonian |
After the death of her mother, high school student Mari ends up in an orphanage. Three days later, the girl returns home, but her drunken father makes it clear almost from the door that she doesn't belong here.
The night spent at the train station ends for Mari with an acquaintance with an aggressive group of teenagers, led by Robi, and being driven to the police. In the morning, the fugitive leaves the cell: the orphanage teacher came for her.
The orphanage has its own internal hierarchy. The dashing guy Robi is considered the informal leader. The guys obey him and readily obey. The polite, intelligent Tauri, who, unlike the other pupils, has a respectable and very busy father, takes custody of the newcomer. Among the girls, the harsh, nervous Katrin, who ended up in an orphanage after her mother was imprisoned, dominates.