ZZolton Reviews

Komandir (2024)

He has no right to fail

[9/10 · 23 February 2024]

Based on real events, the new biopic 'Komandir' has premiered. The story focuses on Gennady Zaitsev, commander of the 'Alpha' group, the first counter-terrorist unit in the history of the USSR. We are now getting to know a lot more about one of its first leaders.

Gennady Zaitsev is an ordinary man, a man of the people. During his childhood, Zaitsev had to help his mother with the housework and take care of his sisters. Despite having no significant connections or acquaintances, he remained determined and resolute in achieving his goals. Eventually, he was appointed as the leader of the 'Alpha' group, which is responsible for combating terrorism.

Zaitsev's next and most crucial mission was to handle the situation in the city of Ordzhonikidze, where terrorists had taken an entire bus full of children hostage. There is little time left for the successful completion of the operation, and Zaytsev would have to show all his talents here, in order for everything to be well in the end.

The movie was captivating and dramatic, primarily due to the admirable qualities of the main character and the obstacles he overcomes.

'Komandir' is a powerful and moving film based on true events. In my opinion, watching it in the theater is definitely worthwhile.

Russkiy krest (2023)

Our man is capable of anything!

[9/10 · 16 April 2023]

"Russkiy krest" is a film that you should see. This is an adaptation of the poem of the same name by the famous poet Nikolai Melnikov, and I can frankly say that this work is worthy of attention, which has long been asking for the big screens. The film itself turned out to be inspiring, kind and instructive.

The plot unfolds in a small village where Ivan Rostock lives. Once he had a family, but he destroyed his happiness with his own hands, and now virtually no one needs him, except perhaps the old man, who, as best he can, is trying to guide the hero on the path of truth. But only a meeting with an angel changes Ivan and gives him a guiding light of life.

Having volunteered to restore the local church on his own, Ivan gets to work, although he understands that this is not that easy. But after all, the temple is a symbol of holiness and purity, and it is he who should give hope to people around. Ehere is no doubt that Ivan will try to do everything and even more to fulfill the promise.

This is one of the few films that is actually fun to watch. The characters of people, their motivation and the conclusions they draw from the whole story are important here. In particular, I want to praise Mikhail Porechenkov, he played very well. Ivan Rostock is his best role in a long time.

In my opinion, this movie is definitely worth watching. The authors did a decent job and pleased us with a story that gives exceptional emotions and is able to surprise in a pleasant way.

1703 (2022– )

Once upon a time in Saint Petersburg

[8/10 · 13 October 2022]

A young police officer from Moscow called Vadik decides to take a very important step. He is transferred from the capital of Russia to St. Petersburg, to his troublemaker Masha. The couple has serious plans for future. He decidei to ask girl's parents for her hand and a heart. Everything seems to be going underthe plan. Though the guy needs to improve relations with his new partner, the gloomy and far from the friendliest character captain Gosha.

Gosha knows the city like the back of his hand, and it is much easier for him to work alone than with an annoying partner. But as you can understand, Gosha cannot avoid working with Vadik, and now these two guys are travelling around the city at night in order to find out who steals the bodies of girls from the local morgue and where that leads.

The beauty of the series is that it looks very seamless and at ease. I don't argue that it's quite strange, and even frightening at some points, but it's stylized to resemble a classic comedy, where irony prevails over the specifics and makes fun everyone, including the main characters, criminals and ordinary people.

I really enjoyed the series. It is memorable and far from the common ones. If you're keen on high-quality detective stories with a strong storyline, as well as black humor without borders, then "1703" is definitely worth your attention.

Chto delat zhenshchine, yesli u neyo dva lyubovnika, a vybrat nuzhno odnogo (2022– )

Who will she choose?

[8/10 · 8 September 2022]

I like the series. Intrigue from the very first episode. Actors play well and in general everything is positive. The plot tells the story of a woman who has to choose one man, but it will be very difficult.

There is a lot of humor and great jokes here. I also liked the acting. Very well-chosen composition, it is a pleasure to follow them. The series has a good soundtrack and excellent cinematography.

In addition, there is a correct moral in the story, which means you should definitely pay attention to it.

I want to pay special attention to Gosha Kutsenko. He got one of the main roles in this series and did well. At least personally, I like him the most and I'm worried about him.