mandeli-n

This movie of a nice quality is by no means an average nothing.

It is a pleasure to the eyes and ears, although the story is so difficult I wish I haven't seen it in the first place.

I remembered the ending from all those years ago so I basically stopped short before the end this time around. I think it may be viewed as a spoiler, but if you're not up for a tragedy - be advised against this movie. It's a pity we have this 'drama' label going on so broad nowadays. What are you getting under it you never know. Well, this one is on the verge of having you wheep through the night if you've invested in the characters.

However, it is really a great piece of art with all the beauty and metaphores in place.

I hope such a talent of a director will eventually overcome his own hunting story and start doing movies that are a bit less challenging for an average viewer.

The only problem I had with this is while they tried hard there are still a few moments where the FX should be better.

Other than that everything is quite descent: the acting, the characters, the plot, the sound and visual design.

Going in with no expectations for this particular movie and having an overall low opinion about Russian mainstream movie industry, I was pleasantly entertained and didn't notice how the 2+ hrs ended.

I felel the characters of both main villains are very charismatic, and quite a few of the good guys also were fun to watch, including, but not limited to Kolya and Alisa (and I'm an "original 80's Alisa" fan, so might have been too hostile as well - well I'm not!), I also loved how they left some Easter eggs and connected this piece with other ones from the Universe.

I'm sure there are some plot holes, it's impossible to find a movie without them, but tbh I can't put a finger on'em the way I usually can. Idk, may be I'm just getting stupid or smth.

Anyway, have fun, watch the movie, learn it's message, remember Kir Bulychev, read a book!