Le Tireur d'élite

Shift the setting to New York, or the English countryside, and make the violence of all varieties more prevalent and graphic, and 'The rifleman of the Voroshilov regiment' could easily be a 70s exploitation flick. More than a few "video nasties" were produced of a very similar nature, were they not? The rendition of the revenge flick that we get here isn't nearly so visceral. Whether willful or imposed, its restraint is refreshing. Perhaps as a result, however, this also isn't as readily absorbing as it could be. We get all the story beats familiar to the genre, just without the thrills or general investment to accompany them. This certainly isn't to say that 'The rifleman' is bad - just not necessarily altogether satisfying.

I will say that star Mikhail Ulyanov puts in a solid performance as the protagonist, retiree Fyodorovich, filled with spite and nuanced range. The screenplay is filled with a dire sense of realism in the corruption, indifference, and inadequacies of the police that allow Katya's rapists to walk away untouched. Why, for that matter, Anna Sinyakina is duly charming as the hapless young woman. Fyodorovich's acts of vengeance are definitely gratifying, too. And though the telling of this story doesn't wholly light up the imagination like other versions have in the past, it's executed well, with perhaps a more balanced approach than what we often see elsewhere.

There are no particular criticisms that come to mind in this instance. But I guess the chief drawback - emphasized by how little I have to say, in a rare instance - is just that there also isn't any element here that's especially grabbing. For as well as it's made, 'The rifleman of the Voroshilov regiment' just doesn't feel remarkable; nothing strikes me as a reason to specifically recommend it, or seek it out. If you happen to come across it, then minding a content warning for sexual assault, it's a fine way to spend 95 minutes. Just don't expect a cinematic epiphany.

Greetings from Lithania.

"The Rifleman of the Voroshilov Regiment" (1999) is a very simple movie, but a very good one at the same time. The story here is crystal clear, but it is the good script, great acting by Mikhail Ulyanov and crystal clear directing what makes this movie work. It is a very "local" story, but it could have been anywhere in a world, the story here is universal, far by any moons from anything original, but its a good movie making what is the most important, and "The Rifleman of the Voroshilov Regiment" has one.

Overall, "The Rifleman of the Voroshilov Regiment" is a simple yet very good movie. It is highly involving and crystal clear story. Very good movie all around.

In answer of the previous comment I'd like to say that the movie doesn't want to be exciting with mysteries like some thriller-kind films.The idea is to make you feel like the main character (the shooter obviously) and to pick a side in the conflict-would you sit and watch like the tabla-players or you are gonna take the justice in your own hands and give retribution and a bit vengeance of course.My point is that the movie (my opinion) wants not to be interesting with some scenes of complicated events,but with the emotional side of what's happen.Because to start a war against the chief of the Russian Police Department is kinda risky and dangerous,but in this situation the old sharpshooter doesn't have any other choice. The defending of the family's honor needs extreme actions,actions who none wouldn't even think to do against such overwhelming mass of corrupted police mans.But it's true thats the situation in many countries that had left the Soviet Union (1989-1991 hope I'm not wrong for the period of the breaking down) .In the end i'm gonna finish with something in my style--> If someone close to you gets hurt,would you sit and watch or you're gonna act like a man(just phrase woman can do the same brave thing :) )

As the summary already said, this movie has a typical post-soviet storyline. So, if you expect an original plot you will be disappointed eventually. The plot as well as character development is pretty simple. Many scenes are set way to obvious, so that you're able to guess what's going to happen next. This, of course, makes the movie less exciting than it could be.

However, there are things I really liked about this movie. I think that the actor who played the granddad was great. You really believe him, you feel what he feels and you will be surprised how much strength this old man can bring up and how determine he is seeking for justice. That's all this movie delivers. It's simple and entertaining, definitely worth watching, there's just nothing special about it...

A story about love for the family. Well developed plot, nicely contexualized, great finish!

The cause and effects are showed precisely, without wasting any time of the 1.5 hrs ish movie.

The casting was fantastic, all the actors, not only the top casts, but also the supporting casts did there job as it should be.

The only off for me was the ease of access to the weapons, but that may be because my lack of knowledge, may be that was the reality back then.

Other than that, I've found the storyline touchy and entertaining.

I recommend watching it to whoever loves their family.

'Job well done' to the whole team 👏