Beystiman
It's fun, it's light, [but] it has a hard time when its tries to get heavy.
Hayden Kane
There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes
Mandeep Tyson
The acting in this movie is really good.
tauritraveler
Most of the reviewers missed the point. This is a movie about young Russians gaining a vivid appreciation of their history and their grandparents that fought for their nation's sovereignty.While the main character has an academic interest in the Great Patriotic War (WWII), the war and those that fought are only as valuable to them as the money their artifacts will earn. The elderly woman appears out of nowhere, representing Mother Russia, gives them milk, and leads them to the lake that sends them back in time. Mother Russia herself teaches them to appreciate the sacrifices of those that have gone before.Unity and Nationalism are strong themes as the 4 say more than once that they have to return to the lake together and bring Sokolov's cigarette case (the past) with them in order to move forward into the future. True to non-American movies, some good people have to die. I was just surprised it wasn't one of the 4 young men.I liked it and would recommend it to others.Background: I have watched many foreign movies and speak Spanish, English and Russian. I have been to other countries and come to understand that unless you become familiar with the histories and cultures of other nations, you will see their history incorrectly through your own cultural eyes.
jvaldeztoo
First off, I would most likely categorize this movie as more of a fantasy than a work of science fiction, and rightly so, because of its vehicle for time travel and setting. I watched this movie in the original Russian without sub-titles. I do not speak Russian, and I cannot say I am familiar with the country or its history. When I started to view it, I found the directing and cinematography to be interesting, so I continued, expecting to shut it off and go to bed. Instead, I was captivated by the story, and could tell from the acting and foreshadowing what the story was about, without understanding the language. In addition, I fully understood the concepts and experiences portrayed at the point of climax and the message the film intended. I enjoyed this film because of its elements, the love story intertwined with the wake up call to the younger generation known for forgetting the past, confounded with unexpected twists that led them on an adventure of inner growth and a closer examination of the meaning of life, nationality and sacrifice. I felt a greater interest in the Russian people after viewing this movie, and it left that kind of lump in my throat, wanting more, sad for their loss, and glad for what was gained. I did not expect such a melancholy feeling but I also felt after watching the movie that I needed it. I think this movie is a brilliant example of how a newer generation, regardless of culture, can romanticize the past even to the point of translating a gross, evil invader into something cool or popular without even realizing what it means. This is a great movie for young adults--thoughtful, yet entertaining, sending its message directly to your heart.
kanaifu
I just watched this film yesterday at the mini festival on the occasion of 9th of May (Victory Day).There were only 4 reviews prior to this one for this movie.Only one review was displayed by default, where reviewer (presumably from another background, not a communist one) slashes the movie as non- worthy. This is absolutely not true.I would argue that if one is to truly understand this movie, he has to either be born and develop in a communist/post-communist regime (such as myself - SFRJ) or be an avid movie fan or be a professional movie critic.This movie at my age (39) and with my family (wife + 2 kids) has profoundly confirmed the ominous situation with Neo-Nazism in Europe and grave future which (possibly) awaits us all.****** spoiler alert ****** Aforementioned reviewer has agitated me, because this movie is not about time travel logic or anything about that. It is but a mechanism to show us deeper meaning.
drystyx
What is worse than a poor movie? What makes a poor movie? A poor movie with this much time, effort, money, materials, and effects completely spent for no purpose.This time travel movie is wasted efforts with predictable, dull plots, and a multitude of cliché characters so one dimensional that we could care less about them.This movie should have been good. Most writers and directors have had concepts about entering a "portal", usually a cave, which leads to the past or future. Here, the fad idea is that water is the "portal", which adds to the clichés of the movie.Four young, self righteous, arrogant men travel back to World War II. They are impossible to care about, and you'll find yourself just glancing up and listening to the predictable lines.They meet a gorgeous girl. Of course, like all modern gay movies, the gorgeous girl has to die. We know this. Yawn. As a matter of fact, we know everything that will happen an hour before it does.Director Molyukov can be forgiven for making a poor, predictable movie, but not for the waste. There is an obviously incredible amount of money spent on making war footage and explosions. All for the arrogance of spoiled rich brats. It's unfortunate that the idle rich waste their time making this garbage, while real artists languish without funds.This movie is full of explosions and effects, to no end. It's a "vanity movie" for the people who made it, and just depressing garbage to young men who watch it. It's not "art". It's not "educational". It's not "entertaining".
