Watch A Moon of Nickel and Ice

A Moon of Nickel and Ice is a Russian drama film released in 2017. Directed by François Jacob, the film tells the story of the Norilsk Combine, a metallurgical plant in the extreme north of Russia, and the people who work there. The film explores the harsh living and working conditions endured by the workers and the social tensions that arise from it.

The movie follows the lives of two workers, Lyokha and Slava, who both work at the Norilsk Combine. Lyokha is a young mechanic who recently moved to Norilsk with his wife and son to find work at the factory. He is a sensitive and introspective character who struggles to reconcile the demands of his job with his desire to be a good husband and father. Slava, on the other hand, is a gruff and cynical veteran of the factory who takes Lyokha under his wing.

Throughout the film, we see the toll that the harsh living conditions and grueling work schedule take on the workers. The town of Norilsk is located in one of the most polluted regions of the world, and the workers are constantly exposed to toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and extreme weather conditions. Despite this, they are expected to work long shifts and meet demanding production quotas.

As Lyokha and Slava navigate their day-to-day lives at the factory, they are also surrounded by a myriad of social tensions. In particular, tensions between the Russian workers and the migrant workers from Uzbekistan are a major theme throughout the film. The Russian workers resent the Uzbek workers for taking their jobs and speaking a different language, while the Uzbek workers feel isolated and marginalized within the factory and the town.

The film is shot in a stark and desolate style that perfectly captures the bleakness of life in Norilsk. The factory is portrayed as a vast and ominous presence, dominating the landscape and the lives of the people who work there. The cinematography is particularly impressive, with many shots of the factory at night that reveal its eerie and dystopian atmosphere.

As the film progresses, we see Lyokha and Slava's friendship grow as they face a series of personal and professional challenges. The performances by Anna Baranova, Aleksandr Kharitonov, and Lev Netto are excellent, and they bring a great deal of depth and nuance to their respective roles. The supporting cast of workers and townspeople also help to flesh out the world of Norilsk and create a sense of community within the film.

Overall, A Moon of Nickel and Ice is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a stark and unflinching look at life in one of the most inhospitable places on Earth. François Jacob has crafted a gripping and emotionally resonant work that is sure to stay with viewers long after the credits have rolled. If you're a fan of gritty, character-driven dramas, be sure to check this one out.

A Moon of Nickel and Ice is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.