Solemplex To me, this movie is perfection.

Matialth Good concept, poorly executed.

Jenna Walter The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

Fatma Suarez The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

john-nikolaidis First saw this movie in its first screening, and being just a kid, I cried with all my heart. 17 years later I managed to remember the title, rediscover the the movie and watch it again. To be honest, I actually had to open an IMDb account just to give this movie 10 stars. The acting is just superb. The story is truly heartbreaking but manages to radiate the little boys tenderness in a way you will never forget. The parallels are endless. The scene where the little boy follows the prison truck will always remain in my heart. Just watching this masterpiece changed me forever and I think that only a Russian director and cast could create such a masterpiece. Only people who lived the Stalin era would have the dare to give us such a story. If you have to see one film this year, well.... this is it.

slonarch This is one of my favorite films. Every time I see it, it touches me deeply and I can't get it out of my mind for a day or two. It helps me put my life into perspective and revisit the basic assumptions by which I live. Since the plot has been summarized by many other reviewers, I'll just share my own perception of the film.While there is an important political and historic component to it, the movie is, in my opinion, about relationships: love and fatherhood. Despite the sadness, the story is inspiring in a way, as it reminds the viewer of the power (in this case - destructive) of the true love. It would make you cherish the love that you are lucky to have, or will make you want to seek one.The film also shows the role that a father plays in a boy's life, in becoming a man, and the faithfulness and commitment that are the platform of such relationship. Again, the tragedy of the fake, non-committed fatherhood helps put things into perspective for the rest of us.I disagree with other reviewers that seem to think that this is a film primarily about Stalinist Russia. When you see a story that introduces you to a new, unfamiliar environment, you tend to pay attention more to the environment than to the story. If "Romeo and Juliette" was filmed on Mars, you'd keep staring at the Martian landscapes instead of the actors. Keep in mind that this movie was intended primarily for consumption by Russians, who are generally aware of how their country looked back then. By focusing purely on the landscape (toasts to Stalin, communal apartments, ruined post-war country) you'll miss the play.

UFUK BATUM It's one of the best films I've ever watched. I think that in a heavy storm with Hollywood-made films coming from all directions (distributed in all channels), films like "Vor" is worth while to note and to recommend. Little budget, but great creativity and fun. The little Sanya is very talented in acting. I wonder where he is right now and what he is up to. I believe that all went well with this film... The plot is excellent... The cast is well chosen... The sense is fully there... I think the success of such films provide hope for other "low-budget" film makers. I believe in the power and taste of cinema, but I believe more in the social/cultural European filming. I wonder how this new globalization will affect the film industry in the years to come!!??

svensson-2 This film takes place in an environment seldom depicted in movies: The Soviet Union during post-war stalinism. And I am so happy that this is made by russians!! This in itself renders it an epic value, but it has dramatic qualities as well. It is very emotional (it might make you cry) as well as extremely funny (it might make you laugh). Finally, it might also be seen as a poem about mother russia that was abused, the people that were betrayed, and the betrayer (stalinism).