Tgrain Balabanov's Brother 1 and 2 were hailed as one of the most innovative Russian thrillers ever. Unfortunately, "Zhmurki" (Blind Man's Bluff) fails to live up to that same level of achievement despite its talented, visible cast and some colorful characters - always a Balabanov strength.The two main leads are interesting, with Dyuzhev's character being an effective blend of Travis Bickle from Taxi Driver and Dim from Clockwork Orange, while Panin is the classical Balabanov thriller hero (Bodrov, Chadov), here in a more sinister incarnation. The first half of the film moves effectively and is interesting, with Mikhailkov providing some good laughs. The second half gets heavily bogged down in one scenario where we begin to see certain thematic and character nods to Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs (i.e. psychopathic behavior set to a pop soundtrack, the lodged bullet, the 'wolf'/accidental medic, and the suitcase belonging to the big boss), with Balabanov's stylistic spin on them. Unlike Tarantino or Scorsese, Balabanov's static use of the camera adds to the boredom in the second half, and it's only thanks to the music that we get some movement. As with other Balabanov films, there is social commentary, esp. the way Stalin's figure is tied into the criminal world. However, it is not as effective as with some of his other films, e.g. Brother 2, War, It Doesn't Hurt Me, and Stoker. Overall, when compared to the Brother films, this is a disappointment, though it will entertain if you don't come to it with the same elevated expectations.

Dr Filin I really love this film. Actually i'm Russian so i see a lot of new Russian movies - and most of them are not very good (softly to say). But this film was like a blast for me ! It's one of my favorites - and here are some reasons. At first it's really funny - but it's special kind of humor - for people who lived in Perestroyka's time. At second almost all actors play as good as it possible - Dyuzhev,Panin,Mikhalkov,Serebryakov and other - it's best Russian actors from old and new Russian acter's school ! I can speak long time about this film - my offer - better watch it - you will love it if you like good Russian films :)

Igor Shvetsov A mildly entertaining entry into a sub-genre of contemporary Russian black comedies.The simple plot involves a couple of moronic crooks assigned to fetch a briefcase packed with 'hell dust' that should be dispatched to a local mobster. The briefcase shortly slips off their hands and they hunt down a trio of other misfits that looted the delivery. In a desperate attempt to get the booty back, at any cost, they undertake a deadly journey leaving gory heaps of dead bodies behind. (McNaughton's Lee Lucas looks pale in comparison).It's a routine scheme with no good guys around. The only police officer (militsioner) available here, which is normally supposed to protect the law, is a scum.The leads are quite adequately depicted, if slightly exaggerated (especially Dyuzhev's overly dumb and reckless thug).However Mikhalkov's Mikhalych, albeit amusing for the most part, looked tiresome at times (contrary to expectations) and, alas, not always convincing.There is a really witty ploy - to introduce that inquisitive kiddie-fatso hanging about aimlessly in every scene with Mikhalkov, including that horrendous mortuary room with dozens of naked cadavers and pools of blood.Many first rate actors (Bashirov, Krasko, Andrei Panin, Serebryakov, Sukhorukov, Makovetsky, et al.) have sadly minor roles or were even reduced to cameo appearances. It looks like the creators had an enormous task to engage as many renowned names as possible.SPOILER ALERT: Do not expect any profound and imaginative ideas or, at least, an authentic grasp of modern Russian realities.Graphic violence, torture, humiliation, fountains of blood, cold-blooded and grisly murders that abounds throughout almost entire length of the movie, serve, as later discovered, to the single benefit of the abrupt pinnacle that lasts, sadly, too short to be enjoyable. And the most disappointing, IMHO, is that, with the exception of the more elegant new clothes, any other changes in our lead characters could hardly be spotted.A BOTTOMLINE: Foreigners! - Quiver with disgust, this is the portrayal of Russia as most of you have always dreamt of. You might be guessing how we manage to survive here. So are we...

DrakonScorpionovich This movie has one huge problem. There is no plot. None whatsoever. Almost every character (except the main ones) appears on screen for a few minutes to be killed off in the next scene. It is a pity that such an interesting cast is not used in the best way. They simply do not have time to do anything. There are only few moments which are original and funny. Everything else can be categorized as borrowed, someone is getting killed, or some random event is initiated with some transitions in between. It is an action film with lots of killing so you won't be bored. However if you want something more sensible or interesting I recommend watching something else.