This is one of those hate it or love it movies. I personally love this film.For one the dialogue is witty, moronic and amazing at the same time. The acting is nicely done, the soundtrack is amazing as usual. All in all, the life of crime during the 90's in provincial Russia is accurately portrayed.The action scenes are great and plentiful so its easy to pay attention. Not like its trying to deliver a philosophical message. The plot is very simple and the characters are memorable.If however,you are a sensitive viewer, stay away. There is a generous amount of graphic violence, torture, politically incorrect ideas and mild language. If you are a cynic or a Russian angry at the government of the time and this kind of material brings back bad memories, the black humour in this film will not be to your liking, so pass this one up. But if your are looking for a fun way to spend a little less than two hours, don't mind some blood and have an open mind, give this a try.
26 Reviews
Clever Russian version of Snatch
psamuylov19 July 2005
As several other posts mentioned, this film is sort of like a Russian version of Snatch. This is no masterpiece, but it is fun to watch, as long as the cartoonish violence does not turn you off. As others mentioned before, this truly is a collection of Russian acting talent. I don't remember Mikhalkov having so much fun playing a bad guy since Svoi sredi chuzhih, chuzhoi sredi svoih, I haven't seen Statskiy Sovetnik yet , I hear he is quite good in that. To me personally it was fun to compare and contrast the way Zhmurki portrayed the 1990s Russia versus Brigada and Bumer. It is a shame that this movie will not be widely available in USA, because I think it is on par with all the Asian gangster flicks Blockbuster seems to be stocking up on.
Cold hearted parody of your standard russki gangster flick
jherr16 November 2007
This is one of the best Russian comedies I have seen in a while. Russian comedy can be a bit too subtle or sappy sometimes and as a result not very accessible to the foreign viewer. This movie doesn't have that problem, although it is obvious that a lot of the humor is still lost in the translation, even more so if the movie is dubbed. The comedy is brutal and unapologetic. In fact, there were times that I thought the violence was a bit too much, even for a dark comedy. If you don't have a stomach for violence, you will likely not be able to enjoy this film.
Loved Nikita Mikhalkov's performance in this film. I think this is the first comedy I have seen him in and he makes a great comedic actor. The scene between him and the architect was probably the funniest for me. The poor, poor Russian middle class, they have always gotten the short end of the stick.
Loved Nikita Mikhalkov's performance in this film. I think this is the first comedy I have seen him in and he makes a great comedic actor. The scene between him and the architect was probably the funniest for me. The poor, poor Russian middle class, they have always gotten the short end of the stick.
Zhmurki is an excellent black crime comedy from Alexei Balabanov
eva3si0n19 August 2021
Zhmurki is an excellent black crime comedy from Alexei Balabanov. In general, when you watch Zhmurki, you see the style of Guy Ritchie's first films, only with the charm of the 90s of Russia. The film is clearly not for everyone, and it is very different from the fact that Balabanov shot.
Guy Ritchie's movie in Russian
burakovchik26 February 2006
The movie shows how modern authority figures gained their power and capital. A lot of them came from not so clean jobs and the movies shows details of that.
Two guys - Simon (Duzhev) and Sergey (Aleksey Panin) - are working for a local mobster (Mikhalkov) as negotiators (extortion specialists actually) and killers. They are not brain surgeons and are quick to pull out a gun, which always puts them in different awkward situations. Considering there are competitors such as crooked cop, local dumb criminals and other low-life element, Simon and Sergey are in for a fun ride... Expect lot of gunshots and a sea of blood.
The movie has gathered a great number of Russian cinema stars even in episodic roles (Andrey Panin is an architect, Andrey Krasko is an unlucky neighbor, Dmitriy Pevtzov is a drug-dealing lawyer, etc.), which makes the movie so much fun to watch. Under a virtuoso management of the director Aleksey Balaganov all characters are simply dumb and extremely standardized, which makes it look like a joke.
Just like Guy Ritchie's movies this one can not really be taken too seriously. On the other hand it's too much dark humor and too much blood to be considered a comedy.
Just keep in mind that it is a true biography of some today's Russian politicians. Perhaps, that will leave you thinking.
p.s. "The Russian Ethiopian" is absolutely hilarious!
Two guys - Simon (Duzhev) and Sergey (Aleksey Panin) - are working for a local mobster (Mikhalkov) as negotiators (extortion specialists actually) and killers. They are not brain surgeons and are quick to pull out a gun, which always puts them in different awkward situations. Considering there are competitors such as crooked cop, local dumb criminals and other low-life element, Simon and Sergey are in for a fun ride... Expect lot of gunshots and a sea of blood.
The movie has gathered a great number of Russian cinema stars even in episodic roles (Andrey Panin is an architect, Andrey Krasko is an unlucky neighbor, Dmitriy Pevtzov is a drug-dealing lawyer, etc.), which makes the movie so much fun to watch. Under a virtuoso management of the director Aleksey Balaganov all characters are simply dumb and extremely standardized, which makes it look like a joke.
Just like Guy Ritchie's movies this one can not really be taken too seriously. On the other hand it's too much dark humor and too much blood to be considered a comedy.
Just keep in mind that it is a true biography of some today's Russian politicians. Perhaps, that will leave you thinking.
p.s. "The Russian Ethiopian" is absolutely hilarious!
Not bluffing
YohjiArmstrong10 March 2015
Warning: Spoilers
DEAD MAN'S BLUFF is a Russian comedy, which means that it is really dark. So dark in fact that most Western audiences will scare at the first of many very racist jokes (and unlike Western films but like reality, the racists don't necessarily get a comeuppance). The plot, such as it is, concerns a briefcase of heroin which gets stolen by various parties. A pair of hulking hit men (the nominal heroes), a gangster who dotes on his fat son, and a corrupt cop all go looking for it. On the way they all torture, murder and cheat. It's crude but funny, buttressed by a great soundtrack of real Russian music, suitably grim run-down locations and cameos by lots of Russian actors in disguise. The film is really a parody of 1990s Russian gangster films - including those made by the same director - which means that it is gloriously over the top, to the point where a running gag is that the heroes are running out of space to stack the corpses.
Russian classics.
vladoslardos12 November 2021
Here is something co clarify...
summit300018 July 2007
I've been reading the previous authors' comments... and couldn't but help laughing.
This movie was never intended to be serious. It is nothing more than a parody on all the previously shot Russian "gang" movies ("Bumer," "Brat," "Brigada," etc.) - same as the "Scary Movies" have always been made as parodies on everything else that the Hollywood had churned out around the same time. I am amazed that nobody seemed to catch that. And, oh yes, this is why the 50 liters of blood were absolutely necessary! Given this, the movie was fun. But it does NOT portray any reality. The kid-like looking criminals (especially the smaller one) do not even closely resemble the real "bratva," and 15 head shots in one day have never been a norm in Russia, not even in the early 90's. The mafia boss (Nikita Mikhalkov) in his maroon jacket is a perfect portrayal of the Russian anecdote character of "noviy russkiy," but you have to understand that it is not much more than a folklore character. Hardly any real "new russians" ever looked like that in reality.
Makovetskiy ("Koron") and his two gang-members (especially the dumb one) look absolutely nothing like a real hit-man gang. Sukachyov ("Brain") is completely overdoing his role of a "vor v zakone," so that, once again, the viewer does not forget that it is all a parody.
The "Doctor"'s drug-lab set-up in the beginning of the movie is a replica of a typical comic book-style "bad scientist" set-up.
I could go on... but I don't see the need. Just take this movie for what it is... and enjoy!
This movie was never intended to be serious. It is nothing more than a parody on all the previously shot Russian "gang" movies ("Bumer," "Brat," "Brigada," etc.) - same as the "Scary Movies" have always been made as parodies on everything else that the Hollywood had churned out around the same time. I am amazed that nobody seemed to catch that. And, oh yes, this is why the 50 liters of blood were absolutely necessary! Given this, the movie was fun. But it does NOT portray any reality. The kid-like looking criminals (especially the smaller one) do not even closely resemble the real "bratva," and 15 head shots in one day have never been a norm in Russia, not even in the early 90's. The mafia boss (Nikita Mikhalkov) in his maroon jacket is a perfect portrayal of the Russian anecdote character of "noviy russkiy," but you have to understand that it is not much more than a folklore character. Hardly any real "new russians" ever looked like that in reality.
Makovetskiy ("Koron") and his two gang-members (especially the dumb one) look absolutely nothing like a real hit-man gang. Sukachyov ("Brain") is completely overdoing his role of a "vor v zakone," so that, once again, the viewer does not forget that it is all a parody.
The "Doctor"'s drug-lab set-up in the beginning of the movie is a replica of a typical comic book-style "bad scientist" set-up.
I could go on... but I don't see the need. Just take this movie for what it is... and enjoy!
Very good, but pointless...
AbsoluteBollocks23 June 2005
Well, the movie is very well done technically... Looks exactly like all these "bandits/gangs" Russian movies from perestroika times. Definitely inspired by "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" movie takes another direction and shows us the REAL world of early 90s violent gang wars. Actors are great and atmosphere is superb. I have never enjoyed a Russian mafia movie (Except for Balabanov's "Brother"), but this one got me. The movie takes place in Nizhny Novgorod (Gorky at the time), not Moscow! This is my first complain about the movie. Driving scenes are poorly cut, and I used to live in this city and I notice that in one shot the car is going one direction, but in the next shot it's going the opposite way! You have to pay more attention to things like that (I know that other people who are unfamiliar with this city are not gonna notice that). Another thing is WHY somebody came up with this movie? It shows you the real life as we all know it? If you live in Russia, just get out on a street and look around, very little have changed!
Very solid movie
maxim_vol11 February 2007
"Zhmurki" is definitely one of the best movies made by Russian film industry in modern time. No doubt about it. All actors are picked up perfectly, many famous and good people amongst them who do their work outstanding. The director's work is very good in my opinion. Music is fitting the setting. The plot is simple and funny, which makes it even better. There are really few movies out there of the same genre and with the same kind of quality. This movie really shows how Russian society developed through 90s. This is reality. This is how many politicians, oil barons, big mob people grew in Russia. I'm very certain that 90% of all rich/significant people in todays Russia developed their power/fame/money gained it by similar methods as those guys. And by the way, this movie is about REAL gangsters! It doesn't show actually any deep meaning or point or message, but it shows criminal world in a way better style than most western movies do. Besides many western movies about so called crime are made by and are about "wannabies", not real gangsters. Only a certain circle of people in western part of the world can even know what "real" criminal world is, its not like that in Russia. Many people face serious crime in Russia every day. And lots of Russians will understand me. Anyway, I strongly recommend this movie for both Russian and international audience, very decent and solid movie.
Where's My Aunt Hazel or Russia Where Are You Rolling To?
Abominog6 August 2005
Warning: Spoilers
A mildly entertaining entry into a sub-genre of contemporary Russian black comedies.
The simple plot involves a couple of moronic crooks assigned to fetch a briefcase packed with 'hell dust' that should be dispatched to a local mobster. The briefcase shortly slips off their hands and they hunt down a trio of other misfits that looted the delivery. In a desperate attempt to get the booty back, at any cost, they undertake a deadly journey leaving gory heaps of dead bodies behind. (McNaughton's Lee Lucas looks pale in comparison).
It's a routine scheme with no good guys around. The only police officer (militsioner) available here, which is normally supposed to protect the law, is a scum.
The leads are quite adequately depicted, if slightly exaggerated (especially Dyuzhev's overly dumb and reckless thug).
However Mikhalkov's Mikhalych, albeit amusing for the most part, looked tiresome at times (contrary to expectations) and, alas, not always convincing.
There is a really witty ploy - to introduce that inquisitive kiddie-fatso hanging about aimlessly in every scene with Mikhalkov, including that horrendous mortuary room with dozens of naked cadavers and pools of blood.
Many first rate actors (Bashirov, Krasko, Andrei Panin, Serebryakov, Sukhorukov, Makovetsky, et al.) have sadly minor roles or were even reduced to cameo appearances. It looks like the creators had an enormous task to engage as many renowned names as possible.
SPOILER ALERT: Do not expect any profound and imaginative ideas or, at least, an authentic grasp of modern Russian realities.
Graphic violence, torture, humiliation, fountains of blood, cold-blooded and grisly murders that abounds throughout almost entire length of the movie, serve, as later discovered, to the single benefit of the abrupt pinnacle that lasts, sadly, too short to be enjoyable. And the most disappointing, IMHO, is that, with the exception of the more elegant new clothes, any other changes in our lead characters could hardly be spotted.
A BOTTOMLINE: Foreigners! - Quiver with disgust, this is the portrayal of Russia as most of you have always dreamt of. You might be guessing how we manage to survive here. So are we...
The simple plot involves a couple of moronic crooks assigned to fetch a briefcase packed with 'hell dust' that should be dispatched to a local mobster. The briefcase shortly slips off their hands and they hunt down a trio of other misfits that looted the delivery. In a desperate attempt to get the booty back, at any cost, they undertake a deadly journey leaving gory heaps of dead bodies behind. (McNaughton's Lee Lucas looks pale in comparison).
It's a routine scheme with no good guys around. The only police officer (militsioner) available here, which is normally supposed to protect the law, is a scum.
The leads are quite adequately depicted, if slightly exaggerated (especially Dyuzhev's overly dumb and reckless thug).
However Mikhalkov's Mikhalych, albeit amusing for the most part, looked tiresome at times (contrary to expectations) and, alas, not always convincing.
There is a really witty ploy - to introduce that inquisitive kiddie-fatso hanging about aimlessly in every scene with Mikhalkov, including that horrendous mortuary room with dozens of naked cadavers and pools of blood.
Many first rate actors (Bashirov, Krasko, Andrei Panin, Serebryakov, Sukhorukov, Makovetsky, et al.) have sadly minor roles or were even reduced to cameo appearances. It looks like the creators had an enormous task to engage as many renowned names as possible.
SPOILER ALERT: Do not expect any profound and imaginative ideas or, at least, an authentic grasp of modern Russian realities.
Graphic violence, torture, humiliation, fountains of blood, cold-blooded and grisly murders that abounds throughout almost entire length of the movie, serve, as later discovered, to the single benefit of the abrupt pinnacle that lasts, sadly, too short to be enjoyable. And the most disappointing, IMHO, is that, with the exception of the more elegant new clothes, any other changes in our lead characters could hardly be spotted.
A BOTTOMLINE: Foreigners! - Quiver with disgust, this is the portrayal of Russia as most of you have always dreamt of. You might be guessing how we manage to survive here. So are we...
"Blind Man's Bluff" is not an appropriate title
AndreiPavlov18 April 2007
This movie is not a fictitious brainwash like "Reservoir Dogs" or "Pulp Fiction" (personally got nothing against both these entertaining titles but they are made for fun) - it's more like a history lesson, more like "Tora! Tora! Tora!". It would be so funny, if it were not so tragic. It is one of a very few modern Russian films, which deserve respect and consideration. Don't let the bloody scenes distract your attention from the essential ideas. "Nightmare, bloody festival, ridiculous mess-up..."? No way. It's our reality. Get a load, if you can carry.
A little boy's visit to the morgue and his father's words at the very beginning of the movie are priceless.
9 out of 10 easily (minus 1 point, because it's a very "national" experience, which, foreigners will not be able to grasp and evaluate properly). Thank you for attention.
A little boy's visit to the morgue and his father's words at the very beginning of the movie are priceless.
9 out of 10 easily (minus 1 point, because it's a very "national" experience, which, foreigners will not be able to grasp and evaluate properly). Thank you for attention.
A crime film without the originality of Brother
Tgrain24 June 2017
Balabanov's Brother 1 and 2 were hailed as one of the most innovative Russian thrillers ever. Unfortunately, "Zhmurki" (Blind Man's Bluff) fails to live up to that same level of achievement despite its talented, visible cast and some colorful characters - always a Balabanov strength.
The two main leads are interesting, with Dyuzhev's character being an effective blend of Travis Bickle from Taxi Driver and Dim from Clockwork Orange, while Panin is the classical Balabanov thriller hero (Bodrov, Chadov), here in a more sinister incarnation.
The first half of the film moves effectively and is interesting, with Mikhailkov providing some good laughs. The second half gets heavily bogged down in one scenario where we begin to see certain thematic and character nods to Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs (i.e. psychopathic behavior set to a pop soundtrack, the lodged bullet, the 'wolf'/accidental medic, and the suitcase belonging to the big boss), with Balabanov's stylistic spin on them. Unlike Tarantino or Scorsese, Balabanov's static use of the camera adds to the boredom in the second half, and it's only thanks to the music that we get some movement.
As with other Balabanov films, there is social commentary, esp. the way Stalin's figure is tied into the criminal world. However, it is not as effective as with some of his other films, e.g. Brother 2, War, It Doesn't Hurt Me, and Stoker.
Overall, when compared to the Brother films, this is a disappointment, though it will entertain if you don't come to it with the same elevated expectations.
The two main leads are interesting, with Dyuzhev's character being an effective blend of Travis Bickle from Taxi Driver and Dim from Clockwork Orange, while Panin is the classical Balabanov thriller hero (Bodrov, Chadov), here in a more sinister incarnation.
The first half of the film moves effectively and is interesting, with Mikhailkov providing some good laughs. The second half gets heavily bogged down in one scenario where we begin to see certain thematic and character nods to Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs (i.e. psychopathic behavior set to a pop soundtrack, the lodged bullet, the 'wolf'/accidental medic, and the suitcase belonging to the big boss), with Balabanov's stylistic spin on them. Unlike Tarantino or Scorsese, Balabanov's static use of the camera adds to the boredom in the second half, and it's only thanks to the music that we get some movement.
As with other Balabanov films, there is social commentary, esp. the way Stalin's figure is tied into the criminal world. However, it is not as effective as with some of his other films, e.g. Brother 2, War, It Doesn't Hurt Me, and Stoker.
Overall, when compared to the Brother films, this is a disappointment, though it will entertain if you don't come to it with the same elevated expectations.
Odni otmorozki ubivayut drugih otmorozkov.
DrakonScorpionovich30 June 2005
This movie has one huge problem. There is no plot. None whatsoever. Almost every character (except the main ones) appears on screen for a few minutes to be killed off in the next scene. It is a pity that such an interesting cast is not used in the best way. They simply do not have time to do anything. There are only few moments which are original and funny. Everything else can be categorized as borrowed, someone is getting killed, or some random event is initiated with some transitions in between. It is an action film with lots of killing so you won't be bored. However if you want something more sensible or interesting I recommend watching something else.
One of the best "new Russian's" movies ! Funny and ably !
pussyeater6 January 2007
I really love this film. Actually i'm Russian so i see a lot of new Russian movies - and most of them are not very good (softly to say). But this film was like a blast for me ! It's one of my favorites - and here are some reasons. At first it's really funny - but it's special kind of humor - for people who lived in Perestroyka's time. At second almost all actors play as good as it possible - Dyuzhev,Panin,Mikhalkov,Serebryakov and other - it's best Russian actors from old and new Russian acter's school ! I can speak long time about this film - my offer - better watch it - you will love it if you like good Russian films :)
Godlike!
morfeus16 June 2005
This is truly the best Russuian movie since Brat 2. It is very realistic, bloody, and it precisely depicts one of the most dramatical episodes of the history of the modern Russia. Directing is flawless, the usual Balabanov style rocks. Acting is just superb, especially part by Dmirty Dyzhev, who played psycho hit-man - the new version of fairy-tale folk hero Ivan. All other parts, even the smallest ones, are played by the top Russian actors - Nikita Mihalkov, Viktor Sukhorukov, Andrej Merzlikin, Sergei Makovetskij, you name them. The movie has tons of black humor, but the best episode is the one, in which gangsters with "strategic vision" become member of the Russian Parliament, and those without it lose everything. The soundtrack, consisting of Russian gangster-era pop and alternative, is just as good as OST from "Brat 2". So, to sum up - a true modern masterpiece!
Best Russian gangster film since Brat 2
kurciasbezdalas1 September 2008
There were times when Russians were making really good movies (especially comedies). Nowadays it seems that they are unsuccessfully trying to imitative American movies (i've watched some of their latest comedies and it seems like they're loosing their sense of humor too). This movie is an exception. Many people say that this is a rip off of "Snatch." but but to me this one is much better than "Snatch.". It is more funny and at the same time more violent. It have some similarities with "Snatch." but i noticed that there is a lot of similar crime movies, it doesn't mean that this one is a rip off of "Snatch.". The acting and directing were great, it proofs that there still are some talented people in Russia only they rarely get a chance to self-actualize. I noticed some plot holes but thats OK, the movie still was great.
Like snatch and lock stock and two smoking barrels, but Russian
horus-ankh13 February 2007
This movie really is like Snatch and Lock stock and two smoking barrels. Criminal comedy, dark comedy, but its there - the whole tongue in cheek approach to Russian mafia reality in the 90's. It is exceptionally well cast and the characters all have clear cut roles and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. It does not try to be anything more then it is, and it does an awesome job of it. The ending scene is the most merry one to date. The dialogue is witty, and a certain scene involving weaponry does justice to Long stock's "Its me bren gun" scenario. The only real problem, and this is not the film's fault, is that it sounds and feels better in its original Russian, leaving those with either dubbed (oh no!) or subtitled (meh) copies with less of an experience - but this is pure bias :P Again, I wish for people to see that genius does in fact exist abroad.
Fun but no perfect.
zimka14 June 2005
This movie is basically 'who's who' in Russian movie industry today. Some of the actors appear for no reason at all and their characters could be skipped all together. Take Andrey Panin, Tatiana Dogileva or Renata Letvinova (!!!) They are all established stars, so what the hell were they doing there? But those are only bit parts. ALL of the characters (and the line-up seems to be never-ending) are played by famous Russian theater, TV, film and music stars. Even Oscar winner and "Russian Spielberg", Nikita Mikhalkov is here! I bet the rest of productions in Moscow were shut down, due to shortage of stars. So, once again, what were they doing there?
The answer is simple - they all were there to have fun. While it might have been OK elsewhere, it's somewhat distracting here. The movie takes cues from Guy Ritchie's productions like Snatch and most likely Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, as the plot throws all sorts of different groups of characters in different situations and then makes them interact with each other. There are numerous similarities between the two movies, including drugs plot-line, inclusion of dimwitted criminals, several gangs, etc. But the difference is - Guy Ritchie knows what a subtlety is and it seems that Alexei Balabanov doesn't. They both play with violence, but Balabanov approaches it like a maniac hungry for blood. Maybe he should have made a gory horror movie instead?
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for gore and blood, if it's appropriately set up and done. But when we get two consecutive graphic shots to the head (Russian roulette style)... it's not funny, or witty, or stylish, or anything! In fact, it achieves only one thing - destroys the mood.
The ending of the film is by far it's weakest part. It was quick, absurd and completely unsatisfactory. A terribly overlong scene leads up to it, so when it is over, I bet many people scratched their heads and wandered why the film-makers bothered to set it up so meticulously.
All of the shortcomings notwithstanding, it was a fairly fun movie, with a lot funny moments and lines. Heavy-handed direction by Alexei Balabanov didn't bother much, as all of the attention is given to action and characters. Most of the actors did fantastic jobs, especially the three leads Alexei Panin, Dmitri Dyuzhev and Nikita Mikhalkov. I wish a bit more time was spend in the editing room and some 25 liters of fake blood (of reported 50) would be cut, as well as several minutes of the film. Then it could have been perfect and standing on it's own against it's American and British counterparts.
The answer is simple - they all were there to have fun. While it might have been OK elsewhere, it's somewhat distracting here. The movie takes cues from Guy Ritchie's productions like Snatch and most likely Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, as the plot throws all sorts of different groups of characters in different situations and then makes them interact with each other. There are numerous similarities between the two movies, including drugs plot-line, inclusion of dimwitted criminals, several gangs, etc. But the difference is - Guy Ritchie knows what a subtlety is and it seems that Alexei Balabanov doesn't. They both play with violence, but Balabanov approaches it like a maniac hungry for blood. Maybe he should have made a gory horror movie instead?
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for gore and blood, if it's appropriately set up and done. But when we get two consecutive graphic shots to the head (Russian roulette style)... it's not funny, or witty, or stylish, or anything! In fact, it achieves only one thing - destroys the mood.
The ending of the film is by far it's weakest part. It was quick, absurd and completely unsatisfactory. A terribly overlong scene leads up to it, so when it is over, I bet many people scratched their heads and wandered why the film-makers bothered to set it up so meticulously.
All of the shortcomings notwithstanding, it was a fairly fun movie, with a lot funny moments and lines. Heavy-handed direction by Alexei Balabanov didn't bother much, as all of the attention is given to action and characters. Most of the actors did fantastic jobs, especially the three leads Alexei Panin, Dmitri Dyuzhev and Nikita Mikhalkov. I wish a bit more time was spend in the editing room and some 25 liters of fake blood (of reported 50) would be cut, as well as several minutes of the film. Then it could have been perfect and standing on it's own against it's American and British counterparts.
Russia in 90
voldiraye19 January 2022
The film was shot with a good sense of humor, but the humor here is black, a lot of corpses, a lot of murders, blood. How the concepts of humor and murder can be combined is unclear, but in this film they do not contradict each other.
The film tells about the events that took place in the mid-90s - cool brothers, criminal authorities, crimson jackets, how issues were solved then and what means were used.
The two main characters Simon (D. Dyuzhev) and Sergey (Alexey Panin) are assistants of the criminal authority, they are the acting force of the criminal authority, they perform the tasks of the boss, and they are not shy about the means.
I really liked the way Simon was played. Such a cabinet, without a single thought on its face, stupidly following the instructions, for him to kill that mosquito to swat, there is no pity, no sympathy in it. He kills people like monsters in a video game - without emotion, you can say for sport.
Sergey is almost the complete opposite of Simon, he is not devoid of intelligence, but he is not endowed with it enough to become at the helm. You can read fear, apprehension in him, it is clear that he is not reckless, he does not kill, but looks very calmly at Simon's actions.
A lot of famous actors are engaged in the film - V. Sukhorukov, S. Makovetsky, N. Mikhalkov, even Garik Sukachev lit up.
The film is clearly not for children and not for people with a weak psyche. There is no outright massacre and bloodshed, but the ease with which people are killed is terrifying, the sight of all this involuntarily distorts.
The film tells about the events that took place in the mid-90s - cool brothers, criminal authorities, crimson jackets, how issues were solved then and what means were used.
The two main characters Simon (D. Dyuzhev) and Sergey (Alexey Panin) are assistants of the criminal authority, they are the acting force of the criminal authority, they perform the tasks of the boss, and they are not shy about the means.
I really liked the way Simon was played. Such a cabinet, without a single thought on its face, stupidly following the instructions, for him to kill that mosquito to swat, there is no pity, no sympathy in it. He kills people like monsters in a video game - without emotion, you can say for sport.
Sergey is almost the complete opposite of Simon, he is not devoid of intelligence, but he is not endowed with it enough to become at the helm. You can read fear, apprehension in him, it is clear that he is not reckless, he does not kill, but looks very calmly at Simon's actions.
A lot of famous actors are engaged in the film - V. Sukhorukov, S. Makovetsky, N. Mikhalkov, even Garik Sukachev lit up.
The film is clearly not for children and not for people with a weak psyche. There is no outright massacre and bloodshed, but the ease with which people are killed is terrifying, the sight of all this involuntarily distorts.
Take it for what it is, a brilliant dark comedy.
ebalakin26 January 2022
This movie is a great exaggeration of the criminal world in the Soviet Union. It has an extreme dark humour. Unfortunately also has some very racist jokes, but if you can look past that, you will see how it plays perfectly into the aura of the film and humour. I would highly suggest this movie to most, may be tough to enjoy if you have no experience or knowledge with Russian culture.
yes.
sour-times4 June 2005
It's good. It's brilliant. It's more than just a crime movie. I'd say, this one is a thick spot set on Russian crime movies. An actor from Brigada shown not like a superhero but like a real human with his opportunities and threats. As well as other characters. This movie is essential, it's not a fake, it's real. Nevertheless, it's stylish and aesthetically beautiful. Just look at Moscow side shown in this movie. It's filmed like in Interdevochka, with those old-style colors. I'm not going to spoil, but you really should see it. It's a fun: as crime movie, as a trash comedy, as an aesthetically pleasure, as a pride of Russian movie industry uprising.
extreme banter of the epoch
oradevpro20008 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
First of all, i'm absolutely sceptical toward Guy Richie's , Tarantino's and the co deeds. Somehow,this particular film is being percieved as a pure essense of the 90s and the modern Russia's demeanor. This title is a rare one which's of the sort " the more i watch, the more i like.Most dialogues have double bottom. " I take it , the most sketched and allusions are intended for local audience only. The movie was shot by now late most talented critical-minded contemporary movie director Alexei Balabanov, who had been depicting the controversies and pun of the local society and as such , was urged to be gone by the specimen characters, as well as a starring actor of another his cult movie series Brat. Talking about the late Alexei Balabanov, those with straps , still alive for the time being, might not forgive stigmatizing "Cargo 200".
90s deserve a better chronicle
Ladeque13 July 2005
It was a great time of true freedom. The only freedom portrayed in this movie is the freedom to kill. As if mafia style killings are non-existent now... Why do they try to make the 90s look awful? Because as usually in Russia the production is financed by the government which is "bringing back law and order after dark years of Yeltsin era"?
Performance is poor. Actors do successfully portray imbecility and nothing else. I guess this was their task but otherwise there is no directing. The plot is weak. Some scenes and characters make no sense. This is the usual feature of a modern Russian movie. Star cast. Every character is played by some sort of star and it does not matter that this particular star does not fit or appears only for several seconds. Do they respect themselves? Do they think a movie would fall apart without their blessed appearances? Disappointing 3/10. Should be less, but I am sentimental about the time.
Performance is poor. Actors do successfully portray imbecility and nothing else. I guess this was their task but otherwise there is no directing. The plot is weak. Some scenes and characters make no sense. This is the usual feature of a modern Russian movie. Star cast. Every character is played by some sort of star and it does not matter that this particular star does not fit or appears only for several seconds. Do they respect themselves? Do they think a movie would fall apart without their blessed appearances? Disappointing 3/10. Should be less, but I am sentimental about the time.
One of the worst film that I've ever seen
ancast29 June 2005
I don't expect an excellent movie from Balabanov, but this film is really awful. The only thing that good in it is a wonderful star cast - Nikita Michalkov, Panin, Dugev, Dmitri Pevtsov, Garik Sukachyov and others. That is a reason why I don't give this movie the worst mark.
This film contains violence, strong language, blood so It will be better for children not to watch this. But adults, I suppose, will prefer to watch other movies like "Sin City" The is also an unexpectedly end in this film. I don't expect it. As for me this film is rather strange. I think that many people agree with me. To sum up I advise not to spend money for this.
This film contains violence, strong language, blood so It will be better for children not to watch this. But adults, I suppose, will prefer to watch other movies like "Sin City" The is also an unexpectedly end in this film. I don't expect it. As for me this film is rather strange. I think that many people agree with me. To sum up I advise not to spend money for this.
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