The anti-government and pro-terrorist liberals running Hollywood would never let a movie like this being made. A similar story happening with a big budget in the US would be a very good movie, because most people are fed up with liberal's brainwashing. It would be a huge hit. But instead Hollywood makes movies where the terrorists are rich white computer hackers. This is ridiculous.
shareShut up with the anti-semitic remarks!
shareApart from 'Movies' being entertainment and not propaganda - this movie was actually Government assisted, quite heavily. As to whether it's a piece of propaganda is questionable but it did propel the Russian Film industry to new horizons. Hollywood has made movies such as this recently, their choice of villain is a courtesy to other nations - you have to understand the importance of overseas sales, don't you. This movie was based on truth and I agree most movies are ridiculous, so are many things in life that are done for pleasure - reality isn't so pleasant all the time and the vulnerable become the targets of propaganda, so be careful what you wish for please.
The Buzz at the time was that this was Russia'a biggest budget movie since 10 yrs or so, really since before the Wall came down. Which might be true, certainly they had little technical crew and imported HOD's - they actually used a local camera assistant who'd worked with Tarkovsky on Stalker. Countdown took ages to shoot, 250+shooting days within a 2 yrs span, not as long as Mr+Mrs Smith perhaps but by normal Russian standards a very long time and certainly not in the same conditions, as we have here - by any means. 6 hours traveling a day with a 12hr work day, 6 days a week @ 11,000 ft with little or no regular meals, will you make you see the value of 'Friends'.