Not a horror film, and not a science fiction film, Nochnoy Dozor (in its Russian), or Night Watch to us English speakers, is a film which fuses together the genres of fantasy, science fiction as well as elements of horror to provide an interesting first instalment, to the "Watch" trilogy. Night Watch forms yet another construct in the 'one hero to save them all' mould, and while never providing us as an audience with a overriding 'wow' factor, is different and intriguing enough to hold its own and provide a good "watch" (pun intended).
Bringing forth the clichéd (it can never be un-clichéd now, unfortunately) notion of the age old battle of good versus evil, which in this case has transpired for centuries, Night Watch brings forth mythical beasts such as vampires and werewolves, while throwing into the mix shape-shifters and various new "powers" to those associates of either the good (night watch) or bad (day watch), and if that confuses you then suffice to say this film is not for you.
One must remember that this is the first segment of a trilogy, a continuing story, and while working entirely by itself does leave with a rather engrossing cliff hanger. The construct itself is only semi-explained. Notions such as 'the gloom' are glossed over, while there are no real character studies or rather, enough time attributed to any of the subsidiary characters to truly be immersed. This is not to say Night Watch fails as a film, as our protagonist is a bemused, dazed and rather lost man, which is purposefully done to draw us into this particular world, because at times it leaves us in a daze and somewhat confused. Issues click into place on multiple viewings, but on closer analysis not much particularly happens and you wonder if you've missed something. Prophecies are recited (not as if that's another clichéd notion), and the race is on to find "the one", whilst some will be racing to find "the off" button.
I do enjoy this film, it's merely that from a critical standpoint there aren't enough positives to compensate for the lack of a developed enough plot. The ending is extremely striking (no, not because it has finished) and for all its faults leaves you wanting to see the conclusion, the next instalment. The acting is amiable also, despite the script lacking enough coherency to truly drive back its point (and yes I did comprehend what was happening) and the important connotations the film is trying to make, the points it wishes to prove are sometimes lost, and it is a shame. Night Watch has some interesting ideas, and while regurgitating clichéd notions by the truck load, does so in a fresher manner than most making it watchable and possibly even enjoyable, but it is never awe-inspiring. The ending may, as it did with myself, make you anticipate the sequel, or continuation, but unfortunately Night Watch is not special enough to warrant higher praise. Compared to Hollywoods attempts to create a similar atmosphere it certainly is a bright spot, but compared to cinema in the wider context its impact is somewhat dimmed.
Bringing forth the clichéd (it can never be un-clichéd now, unfortunately) notion of the age old battle of good versus evil, which in this case has transpired for centuries, Night Watch brings forth mythical beasts such as vampires and werewolves, while throwing into the mix shape-shifters and various new "powers" to those associates of either the good (night watch) or bad (day watch), and if that confuses you then suffice to say this film is not for you.
One must remember that this is the first segment of a trilogy, a continuing story, and while working entirely by itself does leave with a rather engrossing cliff hanger. The construct itself is only semi-explained. Notions such as 'the gloom' are glossed over, while there are no real character studies or rather, enough time attributed to any of the subsidiary characters to truly be immersed. This is not to say Night Watch fails as a film, as our protagonist is a bemused, dazed and rather lost man, which is purposefully done to draw us into this particular world, because at times it leaves us in a daze and somewhat confused. Issues click into place on multiple viewings, but on closer analysis not much particularly happens and you wonder if you've missed something. Prophecies are recited (not as if that's another clichéd notion), and the race is on to find "the one", whilst some will be racing to find "the off" button.
I do enjoy this film, it's merely that from a critical standpoint there aren't enough positives to compensate for the lack of a developed enough plot. The ending is extremely striking (no, not because it has finished) and for all its faults leaves you wanting to see the conclusion, the next instalment. The acting is amiable also, despite the script lacking enough coherency to truly drive back its point (and yes I did comprehend what was happening) and the important connotations the film is trying to make, the points it wishes to prove are sometimes lost, and it is a shame. Night Watch has some interesting ideas, and while regurgitating clichéd notions by the truck load, does so in a fresher manner than most making it watchable and possibly even enjoyable, but it is never awe-inspiring. The ending may, as it did with myself, make you anticipate the sequel, or continuation, but unfortunately Night Watch is not special enough to warrant higher praise. Compared to Hollywoods attempts to create a similar atmosphere it certainly is a bright spot, but compared to cinema in the wider context its impact is somewhat dimmed.