Movie spotlight
The Major
On a cold winter’s day Sergey Sobolev, a major at the local police office, is driving to the hospital where his wife is about to give birth to their child. High from happiness, he’s driving too fast and runs down a boy on a passage walk, who dies. Now the major has only two options: go to prison or conceal the crime. Sobolev decides to compromise with his conscience and calls on a colleague to help him out. But the case turns out to be messy and when Sobolev finally changes his mind and tries to make up for his deed, it’s already too late…
Insights
Plot Summary
A police major, en route to his son's birthday, accidentally hits and kills a young boy with his car. In a desperate attempt to cover up his crime and protect his family, he finds himself entangled in a web of corruption and escalating violence involving the boy's distraught family and his own superiors.
Critical Reception
The Major received critical acclaim for its dark, unflinching portrayal of corruption and moral compromise within the Russian police force. Critics praised its tense atmosphere, strong performances, and bleak, realistic narrative, though some found its grimness overwhelming.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its gripping tension and realistic depiction of moral decay.
Lauded for powerful performances, especially from the lead.
Noted for its bleak and unsettling exploration of corruption.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews and their sentiment is not readily available.
Awards & Accolades
Won Best Film at the 2013 Kinotavr Russian Film Festival, and Best Director at the 2013 Thessaloniki International Film Festival.
Fun Fact
Director Yuri Bykov also stars as the lead character, Major Sobolev, a dual role he took on to maintain creative control and convey his vision directly.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources