Solncepjok

An interesting look at a modern war conflict of Russia vs Ukraine in the Lugansk region in 2014. It’s been much maligned abroad (I guess Ukrainians don't like the film), but warmly received here. It's quite a strange film. The topic itself doesn't interest me that much, the characters didn't grow on me, the plot lacks pace (2 hours and 15 minutes is just too much), and the film doesn't avoid the deaf spots. But when it came to the action, it's surprisingly a decently gritty and raw spectacle. The opening looks like something out of a gritty exploitation movie, with the Ukrainians acting like a bunch of pigs, and the first ten minutes reminded me of my favourite I Spit on Your Grave, thumbs up for that. The film doesn't really shy away from anything, and that includes rape, shooting a shotgun into a pregnant woman's belly (WTF), beating a toddler to death and bombing children at school. Now, that's pretty powerful. If it had a shorter running time and a slightly more engaging plot, I'd be satisfied. Story 3/5, Action 3/5, Humor 0/5, Violence 4/5, Fun 3/5 Music 3/5, Visuals 3/5, Atmosphere 4/5, Suspense 3/5, Emotion 1/5, Actors 2/5. 6/10. (30.09.2021)