When I Will Become a Giant (1979): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1979, When I Will Become a Giant is a family and romance film directed by Inna Tumanyan, running about 84 minutes.

What it’s about. Eight-grader Petya Kopeikin, despite his short stature and nondescript appearance, is constantly in the spotlight. Petya is noble, witty, well versed in literature, he writes wonderful poems. Kopeikin has long been secretly in love with his classmate Masha Goroshkina, and she is passionate about the new student from 9 "A" Kolya Kristallov. Masha tells Petya about her feelings and asks him to hand over a note to Kolya. Deeply worried from unrequited love, Petya not only doesn't stand in the way of a happier rival, but even helps him win Masha's heart. He wants to prove that courage and honor were not only inherent in the times of “musketeer” novels, but exist in our time. Petya chooses to follow the example of the hero of the famous play Edmond Rostan and in his actions copies Cyrano de Bergerac.

Who’s in it. When I Will Become a Giant stars Mikhail Efremov as Kopeikin, Liya Akhedzhakova as Dzhulietta Ashotovna, Inna Ulyanova as Elvira Pavlovna and Marina Shimanskaya as Lidiya Nikolaevna, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.0/10, When I Will Become a Giant has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch When I Will Become a Giant page.

If you liked it. Fans of When I Will Become a Giant tend to enjoy Spirited Away, Back to the Future, The Lion King and Coco.