another_account
the first statement needn't be proved if you've watched it. Indeed the story leaps back and forward, some details leak out too soon, but I liked the movie among other reasons because of good actors such like Vladimir Mashkov and Maria Mironova, who did here their best. the second is clear when you're Russian and read other comments like 'no subtitles and bla'. most not-American movies are not dubbed, so what? -> learn other languages if you're interested in other cultures! just the fact that this title was made in times when people like Khodorkovsky were arrested and that this movie was never broadcasted on the TV-channel which itself co-produced the film, are enough to say it's worth seeing.
ulnoyman
Oligarkh, is an average movie about a group of friends taking advantage of the opportunities "new Russia" offered after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The movie has certain value in giving a rough sketch of how the vacuum left by the collapsed communist system was filled by various criminal elements. However, it fails to do that comprehensively, possibly because, as it targets the Russian audience, it assumes too much information. The transformation of the 'naive, jolly group of friends" into a vicious, ruthless, hierarchical criminal organization is not well demonstrated, phases of changes in characters' world views and emotions largely left to the imagination of the audience. Since the story is told going back and forth in time, some of the criticism can be overlooked, but one cannot help but notice some plot holes. Moreover, it ends in a quite cheesy way, reminding a cheap Hollywood B-movie, something I do not hope to see in a supposedly-sophisticated Russian movie.The acting is generally good, but not outstanding. I thought supporting characters were more impressive than the hero, and I especially liked the commissar and his style. Direction is not bad, and actually it made me think that it was directed by a talented, but inexperienced director. It seems Lungin has a longer career than I expected.
baudeparts
I thought this movie was rather good. I liked how it jumped back and forth in time. The characters should have been developed better. However, its nice to see something different that the usual garbage Hollywood puts out. Ill admit some of the movie is cheesy but if you can get past that its a movie worth watching. It does not stack up to the Godfather or other such movies as the reviews claim on the cover. But it does give you a taste of such movies. Me, I love crime dramas and though I wish there was more blood spilt in the movie I found it surprisingly good. The main character is the strong point in the movie. He has a character and face that makes you sit there and watch the whole movie. Overall it was enjoyable and entertaining.
jfseignol
A good movie about modern Russia. Two major problems, imho :1) The desire of shooting "nice pictures" is often too invasive in the movie, it makes all the story too heavy, too dramatic2) The financial aspect, the "how they succedd in conning people (and state)" is too quickly described. I'd rather had got more explanations.But, despite its duration (more than 2 hours), this movie stays very interesting.
AD
