The piece concludes with "Leviathan", referring to the Harsh Eastern Territories.
YAKUTIA UNCENSORED. The grand unveiling of the movie "The Summer Will End" happened yesterday in Yakutsk, gracing the "Lena" cinema. A slew of bigwigs from the film industry and beyond were graced with invites to the occasion. A YI (Yakutia.info) correspondent was on-site and here's a quick rundown of the movie.
"The Summer Will End" is poised to make a colossal splash in the upcoming Yakutia box office. Let's get this straight, this flick is worth watching.
Remarkably, despite its two-hour duration, it upholds a gripping pace without the superfluous philosophical ramblings that often bog down Yakutian cinema. The acting is competent, bar a couple of minor off-notes.
This is an intriguingly crafted thriller revolving around gold, guns, and fog. The director intertwines the depressive Eldigan, the grim, unforgiving Naybu, gold, and a solitary criminal trail. The movie oozes the ambiance of Russian rural despondency. This somber vibe elevates it beyond mere action, lending it meaning, but the lingering "90s-era melancholy" or even "late 80s poverty" theme is becoming monotonous. "Leviathan" by Zvyagintsev continues to be the epitome of this genre, and the resemblance is more than coincidental—even the posters seem similar.
Poverty, alcohol, despair, the mob—this quintessential set for any Kazakh film is nauseating. However, when a film boasting a similar setup arrives in Yakutia, we view it as a profound allegory—possibly due to the Yakutian flavor and breathtaking scenery. Or because Yuri Borisov stars in it, backed by the music of the legendary group "Kino"? Or because there are parallels to the iconic film "Brother"?
Indeed, there are references to "Brother," but the older brother portrayed by Yuri Borisov is merely a morally twisted criminal consumed only by his own skin. Who crafted him thus? It appears the Russian underworld holds the blame for his tragic fate. According to director Vladimir Munkuev, the film is partially based on actual events when two brothers stole gold and fled. But were those brothers as sinister in real life? Highly unlikely. Remarkably, despite his unsavory actions, the protagonist remains intriguing, as if forced to be so—a killer with doe eyes.
If we could just shed this tedious depression, it would mark a new era in Yakutian and not only cinema. But as things stand, we're left with echoes of "Leviathan" and similar movies in 2025.
Directors: Maxim Arbugaev, Vladimir Munkuev
Cast: Yuri Borisov, Makar Khlebnikov, Dmitry Podnozov, Alexander Mosin, Vasily Shchipitsyn, Ivan Tarabukin
Commentary: Special regard should be extended to the incredibly striking actor Ivan Tarabukin, bearing a Yakutian surname—a sturdy, rugged fellow with massive fists. He could effortlessly star in various genre movies.
- Tags:
- Yakutian cinema
- Vladimir Munkuev
- Maxim Arbugaev
Extra Insights:
"Leviathan" by Andrey Zvyagintsev:"Leviathan" is a critically acclaimed Russian film renowned for its candid depiction of corruption and hometown struggles in northern Russia. Recognized for its cinematography, direction, and examination of themes such as power, corruption, and the human condition, it garnered widespread critical acclaim and nominations for several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Comparing to "The Summer Will End":Without specific information on "The Summer Will End," it's difficult to make a precise comparison. However, if "The Summer Will End" delves into themes of social critique, human struggle, or environmental issues, it may be compared to "Leviathan" based on its thematic depth, cinematographic style, or its exploration of relevant local or global issues.
If you're after critical reception or comparison, you might need to consult specific film reviews or analyses that specifically focus on these films. In brief, while "Leviathan" has earned high praise, there's no information available on the critical reception of "The Summer Will End" or its comparison to "Leviathan" in the provided data.
The movie "The Summer Will End" is anticipated to make a significant impact on the Yakutia box office, demonstrating excellence in storytelling and acting. Despite its dark themes, the film is a testament to the evolving landscape of Yakutian entertainment, boasting a unique blend of local flavor and universal issues.
