Motociklu vasara / Motorcycle Summer

For his 18th birthday, Māris’ parents give him a motorcycle. But against their wishes, he uses it to joyride with friends. When they’re asked to provide an escort to newlyweds, the rebellious bride lets Māris kidnap her. The two runaways spend two romantic days in the country, during which they explore the burning issues facing young people – who am I? Who are you? … Latvia’s answer to “Easy Rider” captivates not only with its rocking travelling shots, but also with its authentic rural backdrops. “Motorcycle Summer” is the only narrative feature made by Uldis Brauns, one of the most important members of the Riga school of poetic documentaries. The action was largely improvised and in order not to miss a single unrepeatable moment, he used two documentary cameramen who often shot simultaneously. True to his documentary principles, Brauns also cast an acting student and – with 15-year-old Inese Jansone – an amateur in the leads.