Hetzjagd - Auf der Spur des Killers

Kazn or The Execution, is reminiscent of films like Silence of the Lambs. Not so much in terms of story but overall treatment.

Its grainy, bleak and gloomy, with an equally depressing subject, the search and capture of Russian serial killers. There's a grotesqueness about this film. It does not shy away from the, at times, revolting, world these killers occupy.

Balancing this, is a story of police corruption and scape goating, that's just as troubling.

Unfortunately, in spite of its dark promise, Kazn, is simply too incoherent, as a film to amount to anything meaningful. You really have to pay close attention, to try and bring together the loose strands of this story.

This shortcoming, is not helped by constant leap frogging between earlier periods and 1991, when everything comes to an head.

In summary, a quality production with a strong cast and interesting, if depressing, material. Its let down by excessive complication and a non linear approach, that makes following what is happening, no small task for the viewer.

NOTE: Why can't this title be found easily by searching IMDB?

5/10.

Going into this movie I only knew it was a murder\mystery that was it! This movie delivered so much more! This was a true adult movie so I would suggest no kids around when you see it. Get ready for a crazy 2 hours. This was one of those movie that didn't feel long because something was always going on. If you do not mind reading subtitles, this really was worth the watch. It reminded me of that all Spanish subtitle movie called The Invisible Guest. That was an equally good movie and I highly recommend if you like crime thrillers. Just be ready to be ping-ponged between 1990's and 1980's.

I am not a great fan of serial killers films, but SE7EN, ZODIAC, SILENCE OF THE LAMBS were outstanding material, even for a non fan as me. I must be fair. This one is perfectly in the mood of such scheme and also the Russian society spirit: dark, hopeless, gloomy, desperate, bleak, brutal. Nothing Hollywood like here, you can also think of some South Korean features such as for instance MEMORIES OF MURDER and many more. I prefer this kind of Russian film instead of pure propaganda war movies or lousy, stupid CGI war costume films...This very flick, I repeat, is the just reflection of the modern Russia. Flawless production design, I would only add that the script is maybe confusing, hard to follow. David Fincher's SE7EN and ZODIAC were a bit easier to get watched. Anyway, it's worth the ride.

No pun intended - I have no idea how close this is to the reality, the real man this surely was based on. I also never saw the "Vdud" movie this apparently is referenced in. So I watched this without any previous knowledge and can tell you: the movie works for itself. The suspense that is being built is more than enough.

Also the acting is good - that said, I understand if some people have issues watching movies from Russia at the moment. I would say do not let the artists suffer for what goverments are doing. But it is up to you and what makes most sense to you. Just do not put your opinion and likings on others - you've been warned and all that. Something the victims would have been grateful for ...

I had seen both hollywood versions of the real story - both movies were a bit dull. This one though is on the veins of Nordi Noir and the real story the main spine of the story but there's more. The movie is dark,violent,talky,twisty and will hold your interest till the end provided you don't mind subtitles. Attention is needed at every stage as the story telling jumps beteen years but rest assured almost every question is answered by the end. It's a bit relentless although there were at least 3-4 occasions of dark humor. A lot of inspirations can be percieved in the movie from cinematography to camera angles,locations,etc with even a subtle but clear nod to the Korean 'Memories of Murder' (a VHS of the movie is shown as part of the story),Seven,Marshland, I saw the Devil,etc but that can only be a good thing considering the quality of those movies.

No hesitation in recommending this movie if you're into Nordic Noir or even dark,violent Korean films of the genre. Of the three movies based on the real Russian killer - this one ...for me ..hits the mark and stands independently as a very good thriller. Expect it to become a cult favourite.