TV Show spotlight
End of Summer
Wataru dreams of spending the last summer of his school days in a romantic bliss. He yearns to be in the arms of the rich, beautiful and reserved Mai, the girl of his dreams by summer's end. As Wataru plots his way into her heart, people just keep on getting in the way. He keeps getting swept up in problems caused by Kazuya, his best friend, trying to get into Kurumi's panties. There's the tomboyish Misa who keeps giving him lecture about Wataru hanging out with her best friend Mako. There's the high and mighty Satomi telling him what to do. Finally, there is Kenji, Mai's self-appointed guardian who looks down on Wataru for being poor unlike himself and Mai and thinks that he is the only good match for Mai. As the summer draws to a close, Wataru must find a way to break through the barrier created by people, circumstance and society to find happiness within the arms of his one true love.
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Plot Summary
In a remote Russian village, a young boy named Viktor is caught between his mother, a prostitute, and a mysterious, violent stranger who enters their lives. The stranger, Nikolai, manipulates the boy and his mother, leading them into a dangerous and bleak existence. As the harsh realities of their lives unfold, Viktor becomes increasingly isolated and desperate.
Critical Reception
End of Summer received mixed to positive reviews, often praised for its raw portrayal of social decay and intense atmosphere, though some found its bleakness and violence overwhelming. It is considered a significant work in Balabanov's early filmography.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its unflinching depiction of bleak rural life and psychological tension.
Criticized by some for its extreme violence and disturbing themes.
Noted for its strong performances, particularly from the child actor and lead male.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
Alexei Balabanov, the director, was known for his dark and often controversial films that explored the underbelly of Russian society during the post-Soviet era.
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