Forsaken (2018) User Reviews

Smoke and Mirrors

[nogodnomasters · 3/10 · 3 May 2021]

Chapaev (Alexander Kulikov ) is stranded on Mars in a crash landing. He has contact with Earth and 30 months of supplies as a rescue mission is planned. An agreement is made with a TV mogul to broadcast live from Mars in a show hosted by a flamboyant charter a Ruby Rhod (Fifth Element) light. Chapaev hears music which is believed to be his imagination caused by isolation.

The film has an interesting twist as politics becomes involved.

This is a Russian film horribly dubbed by the same voices who dub all Russian film. Slow action.

Guide: No swearing, sex, or nudity.

It's not a good movie, but...

[monastiraki · 4/10 · 17 July 2022]

...I'm almost sure that some of the people who gave a low rate to this film, consider that "The martian" is a good movie, very "realistic". And it's not a good movie and even less, realistic.

And, to go on comparing the two films, at first I thought it would be a russian copy of that one, for russian audiences. Many countries start to make american style films with local actors to make them more attractive and close to the viewers, specially teenagers. I think this is a mistake, because you can add your own ingredients to a film at keep it interesting. But I guess that the target for this films is an american food consumer.

No, this is not a copy of "The martian". It's a mix between this and "The Truman Show", a little bit critic with the media and the politicians. The story of the man trapped in Mars is not important for anyone. But in "The martian" the only important thing are the thoughts of the main character, who spends apparently all day recording videos like a youtuber. Of course, he had nothing more to do, like trying to survive. At least, the russian seems to me a more probable scenario than the other one.

But it's not a good film, unfortunately.

Not the best, but not the worst either

[emwee609 · 4/10 · 4 February 2024]

"Forsaken," also known as "Stranded on Mars," falls short of being considered a cinematic masterpiece. While it may not rank among the best, it manages to escape the label of the worst, as I've encountered films far more lacking in various aspects.

One notable aspect in favor of "Forsaken" is its commendable visual effects, especially considering the constraints of its sci-fi genre and production budget. The cast, too, is not entirely without merit, with some characters leaving a positive impact. The film introduces intriguing tensions in the characters' lives, hinting at potential developments, yet frustratingly fails to provide a conclusive resolution.

Diverging from typical Mars-centric narratives, "Forsaken" primarily focuses on events unfolding on Earth. Here, it successfully delves into themes of politics, corruption, and financial exploitation, weaving a dark and significant backdrop for the plot. Not adhering to the conventional Hollywood formula, the movie doesn't necessarily demand a cheerful resolution.

As for the ending, my sentiments are mixed. While the film introduces compelling plot twists, it ultimately leaves the viewer in a state of confusion. This ambiguity constitutes my primary critique of the movie; a clearer conclusion would have undoubtedly enhanced the overall viewing experience.

Dear God!

[Roy_Batty_Nexus6 · 17 December 2021]

This is dire, it has no plot, it is just a a total mish-mash of nothing. So if you're looking for some piece of good Sci-fi, you will be in for a let down. Please do not even bother with this.

Forsaken: USA vs Russian Mars Programs Compared

[DeusWar · 5/10 · 11 January 2021]

In America if you are sent on a space mission to Mars things will go wrong, but you will adapt and survive. Eventually America will send a vessel to come rescue you. It will somehow make it to Mars and rescue you. You will be a hero when you return.

In Russia if you are sent on a space mission to Mars things will go wrong, your crew will return home and leave you there. Oligarchs will promise to rescue you, but actually they will exploit you to make a ton of money on a TV show. Corrupt government officials will get arrested, then the government will apologize to you and leave you to die. Oh yeah and Aliens will mess with you, and maybe even rescue you because they realize you are Russian and they will feel sorry for you.

Hope that helps.

Meh?

[rlhibdon · 5/10 · 12 December 2023]

First off, I am a fan of Russian cinema. Films like Solaris and Salyut 7 are great! So I started watching this some time back, but saw it as a blatant rip-off of The Martian and turned it off after maybe 15-20 minutes. Then I saw a quick blurb online and decided the watch the entire thing.

Pretty disappointing. As others have said here, it's an obvious knock off of several other movies. The mouthy, flamboyant TV guy is exactly the same as in The Fifth Element, and every bit as annoying. About halfway through the movie, I'm starting to think that this is all a parody (satire) and not intended to be serious. Sadly, it is not. This is meant to be a serious movie, and in that it fails.

It tries to be political, and fails. It tries to make a statement... and fails. It succeeds in visuals, which are quite good. The leading characters are good, but they can't carry the whole movie. The sad part is, this had all the elements to make a very good movie.. but just doesn't know to "do" with them. If you are desperate for a sci fi fix.. it'll do. Just don't expect too much..

Am I a joke to you?

[davidlovg · 1/10 · 6 January 2022]

I think I've just been a witness to the worst movie ever made.

I won't waste much of my time with this review, but you should expect: bad acting, ridiculous plots, cheap philosophy just because and a nonsense ending.

It's not even funny or entertaining. An eighty something minute movie that feels like a 3 hour nightmare. Boring and ridiculous.

Don't waste your time.

"Meaningless emptiness"

[goglyk · 1/10 · 4 December 2018]

Total failure, the film is about nothing, without a storyline, without any meaning

Don't even try...

[chizevg · 1/10 · 8 January 2020]

As usual - Russians produced a piece of c**p... Don't even try this one as it has no plot, no idea, no character play, nothing special regarding to visual effects (Chromakey + MS Paint level).

Not so bad

[ashalisalamdanam · 8/10 · 26 December 2018]

The movie is not a mere story about an astronaut left on Mars. It's more about politics and money that become more important than a human life. This story is totally opposite to "The Martian",

Again, not so bad...worth a look...if your thin on films

[bdhboracay · 6/10 · 16 December 2021]

Space, life force, good visuals, ettects and lanscapes. However the actual story (without spoilers) is a bit of a puzzle. Give it a go if you like Sci Fi. It not visually poor or offensive. Voice overs a little cringey... with a few redicuously funny parts and ideas scalped from Hollywood movies. Above B movie, naive with budget.

This MOVIE is for the INTELLECTUALS - MASTERPIECE!

[sewellinvestor · 10/10 · 19 June 2020]

If you did not like this movie, you probably watched it with subtitles and you did not understand what it was about. This is the reality of our cruel corrupted world of ruthless politicians and their brainwashing media. This is our world where money and power are the only two things that matter. This is our world where human life means nothing. Do you think YOUR life is matter for our rulers? This is not the silly comics or the bloody action movie that can be forgotten right the way after it ends. This is one of the best science-fiction movies that I ever saw. This movie is very deep that I will never forget. If you meet a non-biological entity that is intelligent, non-aggressive but deadly for humans, can the contact be established? If you see each other, can you understand and communicate? I wish someone would dubbed this movie in English word to word. Thank you for the wonderful movie.

Not just another Mars movie

[rostsit · 10/10 · 8 February 2019]

The Sci-Fi in this movie is just a background. This is a philosophic movie with a bit of drama. A tragedy of one man, which, in reality,reveals a tragedy of the whole humanity. The main hero accepts his destiny and, in the end, do not see is as a tragic, but as something more. The main motive of the movie - tell the universe, that you ARE, you exist. Feel as a part of a bigger picture. Only few people in the movie are capable of it. Just like in the real life. Where the money and emptiness rule. Great movie and a decent memento for two actors that were killed in a catastrophe before the movie was released.

What price, exploration and knowledge?

[s3276169 · 10/10 · 21 July 2022]

I'm not sure why Forsaken has attracted so many negative reviews. Suffice to say, this is a thoughtful film, not an action romp. I suspect many came to it, with the latter expectation.

What is knowledge, what does it mean to explore? How far will you go it to uncover the secrets of the universe? Is this not at the heart of space exploration? What price are you willing to pay to know?

These are the sorts of questions Forsaken asks, very subtly. This is an intelligent film for the thinking viewer. I loved it but then I was willing to spend the time appreciating what this film imparts.

Acting is solid, visuals are top notch but really its the compelling story, that sets this film apart.

Come to this film if you are in a thoughtful mood. If you are looking for pure exposition and action, keep looking.

10/10.