Russia is a country of contrasts. The drama and comedy of life go hand in hand, plunging residents into a state of panic or euphoria. This is reflected literally in every business, in every thing produced, art, religion and even everyday life. We count pennies, but we laugh with friends over sorrows, get big dividends and suffer from loneliness, kill and repent. The collapse of the USSR broke millions of lives. Why drama has become our everyday friend ...
Crime drama
Cinema is like a litmus test of society. It pours out everything that hurts and asks outside. Russian crime dramas appeared with the advent of the "dashing 90s." Then everyone began to “step on the throat” for the sake of profit, they worked 24 hours a day just to buy food. We were ready to sell our body and soul for the sake of one sip of wine.
Today's drama is a genre that is synonymous with tragedy. Therefore, it is often combined with crime, thriller and other genres. And the crime drama is a subgenre whose overriding task is to uncover the internal conflict of the “villain”. And the "villain" can be anyone, even the mother.
"What is the strength in, brother?"
Russian crime dramas were founded by Sergey Bodrov in his paintings “Brother” and “Brother 2”. Many replicas are quoted today. The style of his films is unique. Because along with the style, he tried to show that the Russian people are not bad, he is humane and, despite the fact that there are negative characters, purposeful and strong.
Another masterpiece was his film "Sister", where little girls are forced to hide from their pursuers. Such a life familiar to the viewer is presented in a completely different light. They do things that are not quite legitimate (they survived that way in the 90s), but the viewer is worried about the fate of the girls and hopes that they will remain in order.
Sergei Bodrov, most likely not wanting it himself, created Russian crime dramas, a list of which many screenwriters and directors wanted to fill up. But only a few were given this genre. Bodrov’s talent is unique!
Has the viewer changed?
90s have passed. 25 years passed in one breath. But what about the viewer? Are Russian crime dramas still in demand by the audience? Yes. But they have changed. Now the viewer wants to see not events and actions, but internal experiences and conflicts. Instead of invincible and strong heroes, a kind, conscientious character who, repenting of his own actions, will fight for the truth at the cost of his life. The struggle for life gave way to morality.
Top 5 films in the last two years
This genre is not very simple to implement. It covers a lot, for example: psychological and social components during the execution of illegal actions. The author always tries to show the reasons for the act and its consequences. The plot can be either simple or very multi-layered, as well as the scenery: the crime scene can be one, or maybe several. But this does not affect the quality of the film. As proof, consider the most iconic crime drama (list of the best), Russian and joint with other countries:
- "Major" (release date - 2013, release in rental - 2014).
- "Uchilka" (release date - 2015, release to hire - 2016).
- “Translator” (2015).
“American Robbery” (2014) - a joint film with an American studio, directed by Sarik Andreasyan.
Starring Adrian Brody. Sarik Andreasyan’s films are very specific, but with a simple plot. Long monologues can tire even the most sophisticated viewer, but not when Adrian Brody speaks them. Contrary to the censure of the public, the film is worth watching. And if you are a lover of this genre, know that it will bring you a lot of pleasure. The unexpected ending will put everything in its place and prove to the viewer why it is called a drama.
Veleslav (2015)
At the box office was almost unnoticed. But it is really worth adding to the 2014-2015 Russian crime dramas listed by us today. It raises a very interesting topic. How could a person from a primitive community survive in the modern world? The main character named Veleslav is not a primitive man, but an old believer, and with clear boundaries and principles. Once in a big city, he has to make a choice: to become a "savage of the modern jungle" or to remain righteous. Everything has its own price, and he will have to pay his own for the choice made.
Major
Truly a masterpiece of its genre, awarded a large list of awards, including the “Palm Branch” of the Cannes Film Festival, was the film “Major”. An excellent game by Denis Shvedov as Major Sobolev. The entire cast brilliantly coped with their task. And "Major" rightfully led the Russian action-packed crime drama over the past ten years.
The film is multi-layered, the emotional level rolls over and constantly keeps the viewer in suspense. “Thin places” are torn and all the immorality and corruption of not only specific characters, but of the entire system climb out. “Bail” has long been “stepping on the throat” of worldly residents, and Sobolev, feeling the burden of his crime, cannot put up with an excessive burden, which is why he wants to surrender to justice, and not hide behind colleagues.
The film will leave its mark even on the most "pachyderms." Some of the spectators could not stand it and left the hall, and some remained and wept over every moment. See and decide for yourself which side to take and who to cry over!
"Teacher"
Everyone had their own “teacher” at school, which frightened them with a look they hated and frustrated lessons. Most likely, she will even be very similar to the heroine of the film “Uchilka” (Irina Kupchenko brilliantly coped with her role). “Bad teacher, bad mother” - these words will be the last straw that will cause a storm of indignation in an ordinary history teacher. She will force everyone, not only hostage children, to reconsider their attitude to life and history, in particular. What the parents of young glamorous girls and boys could not “hammer into” (respect for elders, the value of knowledge and determination), only one person will do in one day.
In fairness, it is worth noting that such an attitude of the young generation has always been and will be, since their essence is to question everything that they were previously taught, and to make sure of the truth of this knowledge. Therefore, a similar story could happen at any time. In addition, each teacher sometimes has a desire to take a gun and put a student to his temple. It’s just that earlier a person fought for survival from hunger and cold, and today from himself.
"Interpreter"
Ambiguous criticism of the picture raises doubts: is it worth watching? Of course yes! Top Russian crime dramas are very hard to read. Ilyin, the same (known to everyone on the TV series “Interns” in the role of Semyon) will a little please the viewer.
The film is rather a kind fairy tale with its villain and genie in one person, which Yarmolnik perfectly coped with. Many have revised their attitude to this actor after watching the film. An ornate plot and a good ending will give you many pleasant emotions from watching.
The best crime dramas (Russian or foreign - it does not matter) are shot by experienced directors with the direct participation of experienced actors. Otherwise, it is an almost impossible task. And having considered criminal dramas, a list of the best (Russian and made jointly with other countries), we can conclude that domestic cinema brilliantly coped with the development of this genre. Therefore, if you have the right mood, you can safely take any of the five movies listed above and enjoy watching.