Konstantin Khabensky Steals the Show in this Charming Drama

Konstantin Khabensky Shines in this Heartfelt Story

summarizeEditor's Summary

I caught wind of this film at the Beacon Film Festival, and while it faced stiff competition from other Russian films, Konstantin Khabensky's involvement gave me hope. Initially, I didn't have high expectations, but as I watched, I found myself swept up in the story. The film's music and warmth are major highlights, making it a standout in its category. While the cinematography isn't its strongest suit, it's a minor quibble in an otherwise engaging film that's worth watching.

settingsSpecifications

KararMükemmel

Hikaye9/10

Kalite8/10

Aktörler7/10

I caught wind of this film back in the fall when it was announced as a participant in the Beacon Film Festival. As a festival cinema fan, I've started paying attention to Russian films alongside international ones. It was up against some stiff competition from films like The Fireboy and My Son, both of which, in my opinion, were pretty underwhelming. The involvement of Konstantin Khabensky was a small glimmer of hope that it wouldn't be a total disaster, but I didn't have high expectations for this film to begin with.

About the film:Three guys living in a Moscow apartment are forced to take care of their uncle for ten days. His name is Yuri, and he's got some mental issues.They're not entirely clear, and he can't speak.Characters:

Yuri - Oleg's uncle, has some developmental issues, but it's not entirely clear what they are. He doesn't speak and lives with his brother, Oleg's father, who takes care of him.

(from left to right)Cheba - a drummer in a small-time punk band that plays to tiny audiences

Oleg - the lead singer of the same band. His uncle moves in with them for ten days while his dad serves a 10-day sentence for a fight

Sergey - Oleg's neighbor and the band's guitarist

I've got a neighbor, Andrei, who's not exactly into the punk scene - he spends most of his time in his room because he's not too fond of his neighbors. Of course, there are more characters, but the film does a great job of balancing them out. We're not shown anyone unnecessary, and when we do see them, it's either off-screen or for a brief moment.

On the story: When I went to see this film, I already knew what it was about. I knew it was a story about a relatively young band of musicians who get a guy with autism-like symptoms dropped into their lives. With that info, you'd expect a hard-hitting drama, but that's not what you get. Instead, it's a really warm and heartfelt story about being human, support, and love.

I often say that some films are not exactly must-watches, but this one is the complete opposite. It's absolutely a must-watch.

Acting: Konstantin Khabensky is absolutely phenomenal. This isn't like The Aviator or Major Grom, where he plays the same doctors over and over. This role is incredibly complex and wordless, and it's left me feeling drained. The thin line between realism and caricature is expertly walked here. The rest of the cast wasn't far behind, although I did find the actor playing Chub to be a bit hard to understand - he was on screen for a pretty short time.

What I liked: One of the film's underrated strengths is that it doesn't let you get too caught up in the melodrama and nearly give you a heart attack in the theater. That's all thanks to Konstantin Habensky's portrayal of Uncle Yuri. He makes the film feel noticeably lighter. If a lesser-known actor had taken on the role, it would have been much easier to buy into his character and the film's quirks, and it would have felt a lot more painful.

But when you're watching Konstantin Habensky, you can't help but feel like everything's going to be okay in real life. That's why you don't fully buy into his character. For most of the film, you're more impressed by Habensky's acting chops than emotionally invested in Uncle Yuri's story. Casting Habensky in this role was a great move – it made the film a lot more enjoyable.

The film clocks in at just over an hour and a half, and that's perfect. There are plenty of pointless conversations, but I wouldn't cut a single second of this film. It's got some great, punk-rock-inspired music – even if you're not a fan of the genre. "Nemoy Papa" is already on my playlist.

He's not my dad over there catching fish

He's not my laughter echoing off the water

They're tearing down the park and building roads

Time is flying by like a curse

What I didn't like: If I'm being nitpicky, there's a bit too much shaky cam. I'm not sure what to call it, but it adds to the realism – like you're right there in the midst of the action. Still, it made me queasy at times.

My verdict: This film is fantastic. If it's playing in your local theater, go check it out – films like this are important to remind us that there's still good in people.

So, what did you think? Did you love it or hate it?And if you want more of my honest opinions, check out my movies and TV shows recaps - spoiler-free, I promise!

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What makes this film stand out from other Russian dramas?

Konstantin Khabensky's standout performance and the film's catchy, emotive music make it a standout in its category. The story is also warm and engaging, making it easy to become invested in the characters' lives.

Is the cinematography in this film any good?

While not the film's strongest suit, the cinematography still manages to capture some beautiful moments. However, some shots can feel overly dramatic, which may be a minor quibble for some viewers.

What themes does this film explore?

The film explores themes of love and kindness, which are genuinely heartwarming. However, these themes can feel a bit heavy-handed at times, making it feel like the film is trying too hard to make a point.

Is this film worth watching?

Yes, this film is definitely worth watching. While it has some minor flaws, the engaging story, catchy music, and standout performance from Konstantin Khabensky make it a compelling watch.

What kind of audience is this film for?

This film is suitable for a general audience, particularly those who enjoy drama and romance. However, some viewers may find the themes and cinematography to be a bit too heavy-handed or dramatic.

Is this film available to stream or purchase?

Yes, this film is available to stream or purchase on various platforms. Please check your local streaming services for availability.

What awards or nominations has this film received?

This film has received several nominations at various film festivals, including the Beacon Film Festival. Please check the film's official website or IMDB page for a full list of accolades.

Is this film suitable for children?

This film is not suitable for young children due to some mature themes and mild language. However, older children and teenagers may find it suitable with parental discretion.

check_circlePros

•Konstantin Khabensky shines in the lead role, bringing depth and nuance to the character.
•The film's music is catchy and emotive, perfectly capturing the mood of each scene.
•The story is warm and engaging, making it easy to become invested in the characters' lives.
•The pacing is well-balanced, never feeling too slow or too fast.
•The themes of love and kindness are genuinely heartwarming.
•The film's cinematography, while not its strongest suit, still manages to capture some beautiful moments.
•The film's tone is consistently engaging, making it hard to look away.
•The supporting cast does a great job of adding depth to the story.

cancelCons

•The cinematography is somewhat lacking, with some shots feeling overly dramatic.
•The story can be a bit predictable at times, making it feel somewhat formulaic.
•Some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped, making it hard to connect with them.
•The film's themes, while heartwarming, can feel a bit heavy-handed at times.
•The pacing can feel a bit slow in some sections, making it hard to stay engaged.
•The film's ending feels a bit rushed, making it hard to fully appreciate the conclusion.
•The film's reliance on familiar tropes can feel a bit tired at times.
•Some viewers may find the film's themes and cinematography to be a bit too heavy-handed or dramatic.