This movie flashes some of the worst stereotypes that Russian masses are prone to. Two British actors are captured by Chechens for ransom, and a brave Russian soul saves the day sacrificing nobly for other people, whilst committing some atrocities that we are meant to applaud. Balabanov, who had more subtle moments, is just an old vet who has seen some stuff in Afghanistan, ergo his famed cynicism, that made it possible for him to rationalize war crimes he participated in. Bitter man, bitter, nationalistic, one sided movie for the masses hungry for pandering. At one moment, a westerner shouts to the Chechen "savages" - "that is against my human rights", while clearly no westerner could be that silly. But that is precisely how Balabanov wanted to see it, to soothe his crime ridden Afghan record. This movie sheds such an unflattering light on the late director, and reveals him as far less intellectually honest or profound as some might assume, had we not known that his Checkered Afghan vet record and rationalizations of war crimes in which he participated no doubt explain his not so noble cynicism...
Review of War
