The Ascent - Larisa Shepitko (1977)

Who is Larisa Shepitko? Most of us haven't heard about her. She is quite an overshadowed director compared to Tarkovsky and her partner Elem Klimov. She died young in a car accident while pre-producing the film Klimov had to finish for her. The Ascent was her last film. Such a shame. 

The most outstanding thing about this film is the sensitivity with which it's filmed. It's a war film, soviet partisans are fighting the nazis in Belarus, but as most good war film it's about something. This film has two parts, one more introspective and with a strong nature presence. The second one more cruel. It's about ideals and ... even spirituality. It raises more questions than it gives answers. Is a cause more important than life? How cruel can humans be? How can someone live with guilt?

It's nicely shot in black and white, nicely, not stunning, but still very well shot. The landscape looks large, powerful, violent. I wasn't a fan of the use of close shots (and zooms?!) but in this case it's forgiven, it serves a purpose. 

The use of sound is impressive. Technically it isn't amazing but how they use it wisely is amazing. Replacing torture noises by the sounds of torture isn't just a great resource but also an ethical one. It causes a lot more of an impact this way too, as it's not what you expect.. and the torture noises are created in your head. For this, Russia can claim to have created great filmmakers. It's not about a big budget as much as it is about a big emphasis in creativity in storytelling. 

The actors... are ok. I'm not sure about the type of acting - overdramatic? - but they do fit in the drama. The women are a lot more natural than the men. It's still about what happen to people in conflicts rather than about the conflicts.

Voskhozhdeniye

Larisa Shepitko


Elem Klimov, her partner made a short film about her (found in very poor quality): Larisa (1980)

 

Nochnoy dozor - Timur Bekmambetov (2004)

I can't be objective when it comes to Russian films. This films proves it.

I had seen it before and all I could remember was that I saw it in one go and ended up watching half of the second part the same night. I enjoyed it more.

This time I thought it was... well impressive for a Russian film. It really looks like a Hollywood film. The visual effects are rather impressive and the sound work is quite good too- sounded a lot better than many films I've heard lately. It's a real fantasy film, only spoken in Russian. Is there a better vampire than one that speaks Russian? I don't think so.

Not much to say about it. Good effects. Typical good vs evil story. A Russian LOTR (which makes it a little more interesting) but without the need to read the book, it works as a film on its own.  The trailer says it all, there's no more than that.

Night Watch

Le Concert - Radu Mihaileanu (2009)

I enjoy both French and Russian films. So how can I be objective about this one?! It's a great mix of things I like. In any other film I would have not forgiven the fact that's full of stereotypes. 

Le Concert is a nice feel-good film, bits of comedy, bits of drama... it's fun. It's not a major drama like Les Choristes, but it's not a cheesy comedy like Amélie... it's somewhere in the middle and I think it works well.

The photography is nicely done, that always helps. The sound is also well done, not great when it comes to design but it does sound 5.1 and it's full of music. (In this case it works, as it is part of the story). Nothing bold but as I said, I am more tolerant with this film than I would be with any other. The Russian cast is very charming and they are all good in their roles (some a bit too stereotyped, but still effective).

Le Concert