ksandness
A Russian soldier returns to his dreary rural village after several years in captivity in Afghanistan. During this time, he has converted to Islam, but he finds his home village full of people who long ago lost their original Russian Orthodox faith, except for a few relics such as kissing the icons, and have also lost whatever belief in Marxism they may once have had. At the same time, they are left out of the economic changes that are occurring in the cities. They are stuck in an impoverished, depressing environment, and with no established guidelines, they adopt the principle of "Get it while you can." The local Orthodox priest is young and cheerful, but ultimately ineffectual against the deep-seated disillusionment and cynicism of the villagers, who drink, steal, sleep around, and look out for number one.Into this environment comes a young man who actually believes in something. The usual problems of reverse culture shock (coming back home after a long time in a foreign environment) are exacerbated by his dismay at the behavior of his family and friends. They, in turn, find him insufferable. He won't drink, kiss the icons, or help steal from the local factory.While the film drags in spots, it's a fine portrayal of a dysfunctional society in which no one believes in anything anymore. (Most non-religious people in more affluent societies have some set of philosophical principles that they follow, but that kind of disillusionment in an impoverished, uneducated society can lead to nihilism.) The villagers clearly need "something to believe in," even if it's just a way to improve the economic and social standing of their village.In the meantime, what will they do when faced with someone who has a strong inner core of beliefs?
chephy
I did not particularly like this movie. During the Soviet times many Russian movies portrayed religious people as stupid and narrow-minded. In the 90's the trend reversed and this movie is an example of it. Too much emphasis on religion, and you feel that the makers of the movie are trying to push religion on you (whatever religion it might be).The movie also attempts to be fancy-shmancy with symbolism, but the attempts seem quite forced.The portrayal of a Russian village of the mid-90's is fairly accurate, but that's about the only redeeming feature of this flick.> and as far as this goes, 60% of Russian population lives in villages > like the one shownWhat an ignorant comment! FYI, 75% of Russians live in urban environments, and of the remaining 25% plenty live in quite prosperous villages (such as one where I spent most of the summers of my childhood in the early and mid-90's which is exactly when the movie is supposed to be taking place).
heat48089
The film "Musul'manin" (or "Muslim") is about the return of the former Russian soldier who has been taken prisoner by Afghan warlords during Russia's long Afghan War (1975-85). Basically the theme of the movie is the moral breakdown and low-cultured existence of Russia's villages (and as far as this goes, 60% of Russian population lives in villages like the one shown) in the early-to-mid 90's (transitional years from Soviet Union to new Russia of today). The movie shows exceedingly well the main woes of Russia's society: ubiquitous alcoholism (and my fellow Russians, will have to agree that it's hardly exaggerated in the movie), larceny from the state by its citizens and from the citizens by the state, materialistic and opportunism-at-its-worst kind of mentality, boredom, lack of any entertainment, education or other facilities for youth, lack of basic necessities (like plumbing, sewing machines, roads, etc.), as well as unemployment (whether forced or voluntary). Add to that the "return of the soldier" plot with this soldier now being devout Muslim and being VERY pious, reverent and morally-righteous, unlike the rest of his home village This combination creates a lot of tension in the village, esp. between him and his alcoholic, out-of-control, ill-tempered and violent older brother, as well as between him and his new girl friend, mother and others. Film is got a little bit mystical side too, and a bit of thriller, but I don't want to give the surprise away, better watch it, :). So if you're interested in learning more about Russian culture, studying Russian language or just foreign movie enthusiasts, it's a good one to watch. One of the few best Afghan-related war movies as well.
camel-9
Nice shots of countryside, ponds, meadows, log cabins. But aside from that, it was too slow and the dialogs too boring. Not an urbanite bunch, small rural village society but presented awkwardly and grotesque (take for example the scene of people jumping into the river to catch dollar bills floating).
AD
