It's not shown in cinemas in Russia, and the video version is very hard to find.
Information about the film is distorted by Putin's media. Example (in Russian):
http://www.film.ru/authors/article.asp?ID=3525
If you want to see the film, but cannot find it, you can write to me.
For the record, this film *is* rather hard to find, even among Moscow's copious pirate DVD markets. However, it can be found (I found it), and I do remember it being shown at at least one theater in 2002.
shareI just watched this movie on an American television station--I believe it was the Sundance channel--and I suspect it will turn up there or on IFC (the Independent Film Channel) occasionally. You might keep an eye out for it there.
I found it fascinating, with several compelling performances. I might disagree with the reviewer above who suggested that Janna's accordion playing was greeted with derision--I thought it was greeted with genuine appreciation by the Chechen rebels who briefly take over the hospital (and whose own playing Janna declared deeply affecting). Although she plays with some facility, Janna--who refuses to leave her accordion behind when she packs to leave with her departing "fiance", declaring that it is her meal ticket (at one point she also refers to being in training for the circus)--can only play a single melody.
There's also the obvious suggestion that the war sends everyone to the mental hospital--in more ways than one.
It remained thoughtfully neutral about the war itself though, and I liked that the ending was kind of enigmatic too.
I'm surprised this is so hard to find in Russia-- I could've sworn the title sequence at the start of the film (I rented off Netflix in the U.S.) said that it was made in cooperation with the Russian Film Institute, or something like that.
And after that, well, the game was mine.
-- Francis Begbie
Surprised?
It's about chechnya dude!
Russia has no democracy and no freedom of expression with tzar Putin or his lackeys saying otherwise and anything revolving around chechnya is a big no-no for them.
Unfortunately Russia has not moved an inch since Ivan the Terrible or Peter the Great. In fact even though it is now only 'recovering' from communism which was just a huge leap sideways it's still only getting back to where it was in 1917.
Only now the supreme ruler is called a 'president' and if you want to accomplish anything you have to bribe your way to money and power and into his grace or the grace of his servants.
So don't be surprised that in Russia there is censorship. And don't be surprised that in the US there is censorship. You can't hope to be a superpower if you play nice with other countries or play nice with your taxpayers.
Sad actually... but so primitively human...
You can rent it at blockbuster, I just did.
shareOh, there are plenty of a Chechnya-themed movies popular in Russia... like http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0309047/
The comment on the main page:
"It's refreshing to see a lack of PC cant in its depiction of a genuinely evil enemy. For once it has a realistic portrayal of the religion of peace, with peace-loving Islamic terrorists peacefully beheading civilians for internet decapitation videos and leaving their victims in a particularly peaceful state. When they're not welshing on deals or slaughtering the infidel, they're settling scores with each other in inter-clan blood feuds. (...) Civilian casualties are inevitable, somewhat regrettable but unavoidable. It's particularly relevant to see the effete, whining, hypocritical Pilgeresque Englishman demanding human rights from those who spit at the concept, anguishing over the deaths of "civilians" travelling with the terrorists"
A different kind of movie, eh?
i read this posters other comments on the site, he's trolling so seems isolated opinion..........at least for this site. i read other peoples reviews and they seemed more fair and mature.
CROSS THAT BLUE STAR OUT AND PUT A K ON IT
I agree, they had no derision for Janna/Zhanna but I think they knew what was coming from Ahmed. More like, oh no, here he goes again. Looking back perhaps they were a little sympathetic towards her, or pitying (apart from the younger guy who seemed less familiar with Ahmed's prior exploits).
shareI think after such events as Moscow subway bombings and Nord Ost theater massacre and that school massacre in Beslan, you will not find much Russian interest in a movie that portrays Chechens in any light other than the light of "pure evil."
It was an interesting war movie, I especially liked the scene where they did the exchange - well, actually, sale - of the body of the dead Chechen fighter, and the Russian soldiers also wanted to score some good dope in the bargain. So they traded a couple cans of ammo to their enemy in exchange for the dope. Classic.