I think that Balabanov is a talented,professional director. When I saw this film first time at its release in Moscow,it didn't make me question about political correctness or authenticity of all events. It seemed so realistic. It left me even the impression that it was not at all a propaganda but rather a anti-war film like "Deer Hunter".
Recently, when I watched it second time, I noticed that such impression was only an effect triggered by the composition of the scenario,music(as Russian lyrical films of late 60s and 70s,a little sad folk song is introduced), some concrete situation(Ivan came back from the front to his hometown and meets old friends,talks about dead classmates,who were killed not by Chechens but by Russians before war, then goes back to the front to help people whom he knows).
So Balabanov has not only excellent skill of direction,but also a good knowledge of World and Russian cinema history. Thanks to these skill and knowledge, he could make a film,which can give another impression than the story itself contains. The story,in fact,is mainly about young Ivan's heroic and sincere behavior in a lot of difficult situations. All events are told by him and only make him a nice, brave and sincere Russian Man(Muzik)into which he was made in War.He is clever,sincere,tactful and hansom. I would not have asked why,if Margaret had fallen in love with him, not with Captain Medvedev,which Bodrov Jr. plays so colorlessly.
"Brother" and "Brother 2" were contemporary fable and fairytale with real social background and individual views on it,but this time he show nothing new or unique.
Well, "Voyna"it is much better than "Zvesda" with its old-fashioned demonstration of patriotism.
But if he really wanted to show that War make a lad into true Man,the film is not only too simple, but rather worse than more minimal,but more deep in meanings "Blokpost" by A.Rogozhkin,or more simple, but more sincere "9-ya rota" by F.Bondarchuk.
Recently, when I watched it second time, I noticed that such impression was only an effect triggered by the composition of the scenario,music(as Russian lyrical films of late 60s and 70s,a little sad folk song is introduced), some concrete situation(Ivan came back from the front to his hometown and meets old friends,talks about dead classmates,who were killed not by Chechens but by Russians before war, then goes back to the front to help people whom he knows).
So Balabanov has not only excellent skill of direction,but also a good knowledge of World and Russian cinema history. Thanks to these skill and knowledge, he could make a film,which can give another impression than the story itself contains. The story,in fact,is mainly about young Ivan's heroic and sincere behavior in a lot of difficult situations. All events are told by him and only make him a nice, brave and sincere Russian Man(Muzik)into which he was made in War.He is clever,sincere,tactful and hansom. I would not have asked why,if Margaret had fallen in love with him, not with Captain Medvedev,which Bodrov Jr. plays so colorlessly.
"Brother" and "Brother 2" were contemporary fable and fairytale with real social background and individual views on it,but this time he show nothing new or unique.
Well, "Voyna"it is much better than "Zvesda" with its old-fashioned demonstration of patriotism.
But if he really wanted to show that War make a lad into true Man,the film is not only too simple, but rather worse than more minimal,but more deep in meanings "Blokpost" by A.Rogozhkin,or more simple, but more sincere "9-ya rota" by F.Bondarchuk.