markgbullen's reviews
by markgbullen
This page showcases all reviews markgbullen has written, sharing their detailed thoughts about movies, TV shows, and more.
6 reviews
We've all only watched this because sadly, it is Rik Mayall's last film, and it's a terrible legacy to leave the great man.
Perhaps the worst plot I've ever seen a film built around, poorly acted, sound is awful, characters make no sense and it doesn't even have proper sets, I cannot believe Rik agreed to do this. Only worth watching for him, and his role is rubbish too.
Perhaps the worst plot I've ever seen a film built around, poorly acted, sound is awful, characters make no sense and it doesn't even have proper sets, I cannot believe Rik agreed to do this. Only worth watching for him, and his role is rubbish too.
This is an excellent film and one that will stand the test of time. Brilliant acting, story and filming and one of my top 10 foreign language films without a doubt. A road movie from East to West with an unlikely hero you can root for, on a mission against the odds in a situation thats not been done before, with great action scenes, fantastic soundtrack and top acting. Best Russian language film of 2000's and one that anyone interested in Russian or European cinema must see.
On a sad note I am very surprised at the criticism I've seen here. Some people have turned these reviews into Russian v American sub-cultures which is easy to do if you're that type of person as this film is unlike a lot of things people may be used to. It might seem strange for US audiences with the Russians being the good guys but very very flawed good guys,and the Americans being the baddies, but is this not allowed? Not all the Americans are portrayed as bad nor all the Russians as good, Ben the truck driver comes across as a lovely man! Do you think there's no Americans involved in organised crime? Or that all black ghettos welcome white strangers with open arms? I don't see the problem. It's this small minded, one dimensional thinking that makes the rest of the world dislike Americans, not just the Tea Party, moronic gun totting Americans, but the Liberal fascists (and Brits are not exempt from this either I should add) who bully and name call those with a different point of view and different cultural norms. This is a great film, made from a different country that holds different values and I personally can't fault it!
On a sad note I am very surprised at the criticism I've seen here. Some people have turned these reviews into Russian v American sub-cultures which is easy to do if you're that type of person as this film is unlike a lot of things people may be used to. It might seem strange for US audiences with the Russians being the good guys but very very flawed good guys,and the Americans being the baddies, but is this not allowed? Not all the Americans are portrayed as bad nor all the Russians as good, Ben the truck driver comes across as a lovely man! Do you think there's no Americans involved in organised crime? Or that all black ghettos welcome white strangers with open arms? I don't see the problem. It's this small minded, one dimensional thinking that makes the rest of the world dislike Americans, not just the Tea Party, moronic gun totting Americans, but the Liberal fascists (and Brits are not exempt from this either I should add) who bully and name call those with a different point of view and different cultural norms. This is a great film, made from a different country that holds different values and I personally can't fault it!
If you can understand Russian then you simply have to watch this film, I'm not aware of an English translation available but if you find one and have an interest in life at the end of the USSR then watch Igla. This film is a vehicle for Viktor Tsoi, Soviet rock superstar and one of the most talented musicians there has ever been. It's a film made on a budget but this adds to the atmosphere of the thing,The film has some great direction and although cheap has been made with thought and care. However the best thing about this film is it's soundtrack, truly brilliant, Tsoi really is a music icon and this film, made not long before his death is a fitting tribute to him and his legacy. I recommend this film wholeheartedly!
