Quite possibly it is the only instance when I give a movie the highest mark, though I do not enjoy it much.
It is a cult Soviet movie. To give out the plot is not needed - read it in the "main details" section. As to its quality - it is definitely up there in the starry sky. The way this movie runs is very easy and charming. The conversations, the action, the violence, the songs, the settings are ironic. This action movie is absolutely different from a usual modern action film we are used to. It floats like a white cloud against the deep blue sky. Shootings and fisticuffs are never the main and most important "dish". The greatest thing is the subtle and elusive but genuinely Russian atmosphere that is present in every scene. The ways of doing things in this film are definitely of our highest Russian quality. The way of Sukhov's dreaming, talking, and smiling, the way of Petrukha's and Vereschagin's dying, the way of Wife's crying.
The whole movie points out that we don't need a big macho with muscles to fight evil. The hero can be just humane and romantic, that's enough. Sometimes the evil forces cannot cope with that.
In our cinema this gem occupies the same place as "High Noon" (I guess) in the American one. You cannot come even close nowadays.
And watch out for a funny spoof of this movie that goes back to the year 1983 with the same leading actor as Sukhov! You want to know the title? Shame on you, you should know that. It is also one of our classics.
10 out of 10. Thank you for attention.
It is a cult Soviet movie. To give out the plot is not needed - read it in the "main details" section. As to its quality - it is definitely up there in the starry sky. The way this movie runs is very easy and charming. The conversations, the action, the violence, the songs, the settings are ironic. This action movie is absolutely different from a usual modern action film we are used to. It floats like a white cloud against the deep blue sky. Shootings and fisticuffs are never the main and most important "dish". The greatest thing is the subtle and elusive but genuinely Russian atmosphere that is present in every scene. The ways of doing things in this film are definitely of our highest Russian quality. The way of Sukhov's dreaming, talking, and smiling, the way of Petrukha's and Vereschagin's dying, the way of Wife's crying.
The whole movie points out that we don't need a big macho with muscles to fight evil. The hero can be just humane and romantic, that's enough. Sometimes the evil forces cannot cope with that.
In our cinema this gem occupies the same place as "High Noon" (I guess) in the American one. You cannot come even close nowadays.
And watch out for a funny spoof of this movie that goes back to the year 1983 with the same leading actor as Sukhov! You want to know the title? Shame on you, you should know that. It is also one of our classics.
10 out of 10. Thank you for attention.