Great Film overall

I didn’t really have many expectations going into the movie (good or bad), but I actually really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and the banter between them.

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

Even it's a period drama, I believe this piece of art will never bore those who has no interest or knowledge about stalin-era. Its touching and well-developed story is easy to follow but never shallow. The casting is perfect. The faces of 3 main characters are hard to forget. I think Soviet experience, especially the Great Purge in 1930's deserves much more historical movies. And in general soviet period dramas must more concentrate on the social and economic backrounds of the system rather than limiting itself with narrow family or crime stories. I can't say this movie doesn't try it, but it could be much stronger. And one more remark, the story is not fully based on political metaphors. That's why I've found it very successful since the author tells the story of ordinary people, instead of being obsessive with simple methafors. Highly recommended.

If you are looking for a good Friday movie to fill your time this is not what you would want to see. This movie is difficult, if you know what I mean. This movie does not have a specific moral which it tries to bring to the viewer's attention; however this movie is very very touching and this is coming from a guy who has seen hundreds of "touching" movies.The actors are great, and they give a perfect illusion that you are watching a life story not a movie. This movie makes you think, think about a lot of different things in life. I would not say it is an easy movie to watch; however this is probably the best "sad" movie I have ever seen in my life. If you are looking for a good drama this is definitely a movie to see, however if you are a fan of Hollywood blockbusters I suggest you stay away.

I can't say that I'm a big fan of Russian movies, but there are some that I really do love - this is one of them. The fact why I do love these "some" movies is this "russian-only" bitterness and rough reality that these movies contain. I really did like all the characters in the "Vor" - each one of them represented some angle of human nature - trust and dependence as opposites to hate and insensibility - qualities that we all do have, but somehow manage to pretend that we don't. Also this movie has a really sentimental atmosphere, that makes you think about different things in your life and maybe even rearrange your system of values. As for me - I thought about love and the fact that love doesn't arise from our actions or qualities...and so it does not vanish according to them. There is such love that is between man and a woman as well as between a child and his parent - love that just IS, love that is beautiful in it's unconditionality. I really do recommend this movie to everyone who thinks that he/she can appreciate quality entertainment.

"Vor" will undoubtedly become a classic of Russian cinema in a few years. First, this was both written and directed by the great Russian filmmaker Pavel Chukhrai! It's a tender pseudo-autobiographical account of life during the last years in Stalinist USSR. An interesting theme in this movie is that of the "father-figure"...and Stalin as a "father-figure" to the Soviet Union. You don't necessarily have to be familiar with the political context of the film, but it definitely makes it all the more poignant and heart-breaking if you are. Vladi Mashkov is superb as the charming "soldier" who, not accidentally, has Comrade Stalin tattooed on his chest. Whether Toljian symbolizes a strong-yet-corrupt Stalin and whether Katja and Sasha represent the disenchanted Russian populus, that's up to you to decide. But see it!Look at "Vor" from the allegorical and political level and it's strikingly true. Look at "Vor" from the emotional and tragic level and it's strikingly true. This movie is deep, painful, and of course riddled with truth. That's why it's so powerful! Of course, the acting and direction show this truth off so vividly. I have to say, once again, that Mashkov proves to be an actor of amazing caliber, expression, and beauty. Dasvidania ;-)