The words from Utesov’s famous song “At the Black Sea” (“Song about Odessa”) were repeatedly tried to be displayed on film by almost all Russian cinematographers who had ever shot a movie about Odessa. This place is exceptional in charisma, unique features and originality on the planet. And only the director Sergei Ursulyak inexplicably managed to fill the series “Liquidation”, its internal space with the same praised Utesovy air, amazing Odessa flavor.
The best TV product of recent times
Ursulyak’s creation is perceived as a full-fledged movie, only slightly elongated in time (timing). The whole atmosphere, narrative texture, painstaking attention to the smallest details, and most importantly - the famous Odessa characters made "Liquidation" the best television series of recent times. The television product evokes feelings similar to those that arose in my soul after watching the films “The meeting place cannot be changed” and “Seventeen Moments of Spring”, and even individual film critics compared Ursulyak’s film with the first one. Until now, among the endless stream of quite worthy films, the series “Liquidation” seems like a real diamond in countless piles of fakes.
Plot
The story of the film begins in 1946. Dilapidated Odessa is struggling to enter the usual course of life after the horror of World War II. The main character - the head of the criminal investigation department David Gotsman (V. Mashkov) - begins an investigation of a number of crimes committed by an extremely dangerous gang, led by an elusive, dark personality - the Academician. The main character is seriously ill, his condition is exacerbated by the tragic death of his best friend (S. Makovetsky), who does not survive after a mortal wound with a knife.
At this time, Marshal Zhukov (V. Menshov) himself was in the city to assess the situation, he was quite determined and categorically required the police to restore order in Odessa. The militiamen have knocked down, but people do not stop dying at the hands of intruders, secrets multiply, and, naturally, discontent is growing among the bosses about the work of the protagonist. Over time, David begins to understand that the Academician is therefore ahead of him every step because he has connections in the organs or serves himself there. So, you need to look among your own. So the creators and the actors who got used to the image begin the intrigue. "Liquidation" has to view from the first frames.
Significant role of Vladimir Mashkov
The film can boast excellent acting without false modesty. First of all, it is worth noting the leading actor, who reminded everyone that he is able to be not only a hero of a furious action movie, but a real actor who manages to awaken in the viewer a sense of personal involvement in what is happening on the screen. Such an actor can safely be proud of such a series as “Liquidation”. Mashkov surpassed himself. His hero is a very courageous, strong man who, without flinching, went through the war and is now fighting on the side of the law with those who have embarked on the path of crime.
You believe everyone
While watching the series, you believe absolutely all the actors, from the main characters to secondary characters who catch a glimpse of the frame. By the way, Makovetsky got into the series “Liquidation” thanks to a tragic accident. The role of the Odessa tramp Fima was supposed to play Andrei Krasko, but he spent only three days on the set, after which he died suddenly. In his place in the television project they invited Sergei Makovetsky, who was somehow achingly gentle, but delightfully accurate as the friend of the main character. His remarks, seasoned with Odessa original charisma, can be easily disassembled into quotes.
The director and other actors did not disappoint. “Liquidation” presents to the audience the vivid and colorful image of the forever angry and doomed from this bitterness and doom - Chekan, who was created by Konstantin Lavronenko. And the secretive, gloomy Krechetov, and the proud Ida, and the lover of Antonina, the prudent, cold-blooded Platov - absolutely all the actors playing the roles of these characters are selected by the director perfectly and accordingly implemented by the stage masters. Watching their game, you understand that they are professionals, real actors. “Liquidation” is distinguished by a chic and absolute hit on target with casting and casting artists for all roles without exception.
Proximity to the post-war era
The strong series of S. Ursulyak is remarkable for a remarkable, informative scenario, intense, intriguing detective action and a surprisingly realistic proximity to that post-war era. The series has an amazing atmosphere: starting from musical accompaniment, which does not cut the ear, but enhances emotional perception, and ends with inviting shady streets and their colorful inhabitants-inhabitants of Odessa. And, of course, amazing actors. “Liquidation” can be proud of so many stars of domestic cinema in the casting lists.