An absolute masterful piece of storytelling, it takes the viewpoint of three main characters, a Chechen child, a french UN human rights worker and finally a Russian soldier, it is one of the best war movies I've watched, focusing around the trauma and pain shown throughout the Second Chechen War, delving into the deep despair of individuals in the country, and also illustrating the culture within. Whilst providing an absolutely heartwarming and amazing arc between the Chechen child hadji and the french UN worker Carole, and a visceral and depressing view into the military from kolia as he is broken down from a normal younger through the meat grinder of his role in the Russian camp and the outright hateful treatment he receives from soldiers and officers above him, until he is dulled to the reality of war. Becoming like everyone else in the army. I honestly believe that the current rating is incredibly wrong, regardless if it is seen as anti-Russian propaganda, highlighting the wrongs committed by the Russian army and bureaucracy isn't a valid argument to lower the rating of this movie at all. If you are reading this, definitely watch it. It is amazing.
Review of The Search
