Anxious

In a bleak industrial town, a former KGB agent named Ivan and his associates struggle to survive in the volatile post-Soviet era. Ivan becomes entangled in a dangerous game involving stolen goods, betrayal, and the violent underworld that has emerged. As he navigates this treacherous landscape, he grapples with his past and the moral compromises required to stay alive.

Anxious is a gritty and unflinching portrayal of post-Soviet Russia, noted for its raw depiction of social decay and moral ambiguity. Critics praised its stark realism and Balabanov's uncompromising directorial vision, though some found its nihilistic tone challenging. It has since gained recognition as a significant film in the context of Russian cinema of the 1990s.

• Praised for its realistic and bleak portrayal of post-Soviet life.

• Balabanov's directorial style is recognized as stark and impactful.

• The film's exploration of moral decay and survival is a common theme in discussions.

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Director Alexei Balabanov often featured gritty, urban settings and characters dealing with the harsh realities of post-Soviet Russia in his films, and 'Anxious' is considered an early example of this thematic focus.