Have seen only two of his films in the 90s. Really, he’s probably the most pretentious of Russian directors working today. And the most hated here too, because other directors are not as good at Union politics. He’s a good showman and politician – that’s right. Whatever his films are doing in the TSPDT’s 1000 is entirely a mystery to my unpolished taste.
I watched 10 minutes and stopped bothering.
“And the most hated here too”
that doesn’t mean a thing, Mikhalkov’s decline started in the 90’s, if anyone thinks the guy is pretentious, they haven’t seen his 70’s masterpieces.
as for the film itself, i think it’s a remake of 12 Angry Men, no? i may give it a shot but i don’t have high hopes…
ok thanks for the info! Im gona send it back and watch Three Times instead :P
yea its a remake, Dimitris. Im gona pass but leme know if you ever watch it
@Dimitrius: in the popular mind he’s more remembered as a very good actor from the 70s and 80s, esp. “A Cruel Romance” (1984) by Eldar Ryazanov.
I think I do need to see “his 70’s masterpieces” when I have the time. Which ones do you personally recommend?
Slave of Love and Unfinished Piano Piece but i really don’t know this popular mind of him being an actor (?)
i guess it differs in countries, hehe.
Ooh, in “The Cruel Romance” – to women he seemed so seducing (apparently). :) But tastes differ by country and by decade, that’s true.
Thanks for suggestions.
i watched it and frankly i dont mind it. I love pretentiousness though. im a generally pretentious person in general
@robley
i was going to write the exact same post myself! im not even sure if i gave it a full 10 minutes.
Sekz, wait, you have it from Netflix, and you’re not going to watch it? I’m sorry, but I must say that you should fine out yourself whether it’s good or bad! :(
I think it’s on instant, though, so that’s not so bad.
Savvy
I heard it was terrible.
it’s at my library…so is a lot of toilet paper.
Columbiatch, but, even if it is terrible, does that mean it shouldn’t be seen??
Savvy
Zach actually I got it from blockbuster cuz i had a free rental. I have so may movies to watch though so im gona be picky and not watch this one :/
Sekz, oh, okay. That makes more sense. But, still, if you have it in your possession….
Savvy
Zach, should I watch a movie that I have no interest in seeing, especially when there are tons of other amazing films that I don’t even have the time to see?
exactly. theres only so many hours in a day, so many days in a life. a film better be worthy to deserve my time. some dont even get the courtesy of 10 minutes! so “12” is doing pretty good by comparison.
Here’s my review of it. Hope this helps:
http://www.theauteurs.com/reviews/19394
I have seen it recently, and I like it. The ending is perhaps, to some, a bit much in the ‘visual poetry’ department, but nothing I couldn’t live with.
It is an interesting re-telling of “12 Angry Men”, with the accused being Chechen, so a different cultural take on a familiar story.
The Chechen conflict looms large in the film, along with recriminations about Russia before and after the fall. Some very ‘Russian’ humor in the film, and some long monologue moments that really gripped me.
You could do a heck of a lot worse with 2 hours plus. It is the first film of Mikhalkov’s I have seen, so base it on that.
you can always do a lot worse…or a lot better, for anything!
I’ve seen the film. Quite an okay remake, not as good though. It;s better than most films came out these days. Not regretting ever watching it.
Mikhalkov strikes me as a complete hack, both artistically and politically. Everything safe and expedient. He’s pro-Soviet when it’s convenient (At Home Among Strangers) and anti-Soviet when it’s convenient (Burnt by The Sun). Twelve is more nationalist crap. Any moral ambiguity that should be there is swallowed up in Mikhalkov’s celebration of the “Russian soul.”
I didn’t realize he was so hated…. I thought the film was quite beautifully filmed in places. Not a triumph but a decent film.
Patapon
Im wondering if I should bother watching this film but would like to hear from someone who has seen it and has an opinion on it. Thanks