Under the North Star
Under the North Star

Under the North Star

2002Movie162 minRussian

The events take place in the 70s of the last century, in the real country of the USSR and with real Soviet people: workers and state leaders. A patriotic film telling about how and how the country lived in those years, telling with love about the generation of fathers, about their working days and holidays.

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IMDb7.2/10
Director: Alexei BalabanovGenres: War, Drama

Plot Summary

Set during the Soviet Union's involvement in the Afghan War, this film follows a group of young soldiers as they are deployed into a brutal and unforgiving conflict. Facing harsh conditions, intense combat, and the psychological toll of war, the soldiers grapple with their own survival and the moral complexities of their mission. The narrative explores themes of camaraderie, loss, and the harsh realities of military engagement in a foreign land.

Critical Reception

Under the North Star (also known as 'War') was met with a mixed reception, praised for its unflinching depiction of the horrors of war and its strong performances, but also criticized for its bleakness and graphic violence. It garnered attention for its raw portrayal of the Soviet-Afghan War and its impact on young soldiers.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film offers a stark and visceral look at the brutal realities of war.
  • Performances are noted for their intensity, particularly in conveying the psychological impact of conflict.
  • Some viewers found the relentless grimness and violence to be overwhelming.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film is often referred to by its alternative English title 'War', and is noted for its graphic and realistic portrayal of combat, aligning with director Alexei Balabanov's reputation for intense and often controversial filmmaking.

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