The execution

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.

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.

The impressive directorial debut of Lado Kvataniya. The narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion and regularly jumps between the two timelines (initially ten years apart but gets narrower as we move forward). The frequent switch between the two timelines is used (as a plot device) to move the story forward, generate suspense, and maintain the tension and thrill throughout. A clever plot device that could have been a disaster in the hands of a less capable director, but here, supported by a strong screenplay and intelligent editing, it worked really well.

Costumes and makeup, especially for aging the characters, are carefully done and worth mentioning. Also, the scenes are lit beautifully.

Influences of some of the popular and acclaimed movies in the suspense/thriller genre can be seen, and the director showed his appreciation by pointing (not so subtly) toward a few of them.

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.

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 ...