Watch Brother

Brother is a 1997 Russian crime drama film directed by Aleksei Balabanov. The film stars Sergey Bodrov Jr. as Danila Bagrov, a young man who returns to Russia after serving in the Russian military in Chechnya. When Danila arrives, he finds himself unemployed and struggling to find his place in society. However, when he discovers his brother Viktor (played by Viktor Sukhorukov) is a successful gangster, Danila decides to follow in his footsteps and become a hitman in the criminal underworld.

The film depicts the harsh reality of post-Soviet Russia, where the promise of a better life after communism has failed to materialize for many. Danila's struggles to find work and make a new life for himself are all too familiar for many people in Russia at the time. The film is set against the backdrop of the chaos and violence that characterized Russia in the 1990s, with organized crime syndicates vying for power in the absence of any effective law enforcement.

Brother features a gritty and realistic portrayal of violence and crime in Russia. The film's use of handheld camera work and naturalistic lighting creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy, drawing the audience into the characters' lives. The film also features an evocative soundtrack, which includes Russian rock music of the era.

Throughout the film, Danila struggles with his own moral code. At times, he seems almost innocent in his willingness to do whatever it takes to survive. However, as he becomes more involved in the criminal underworld, his actions become increasingly brutal and ruthless. This moral ambiguity, combined with the film's realistic portrayal of the criminal underworld, makes for a complex and thought-provoking viewing experience.

Brother was a critical and commercial success in Russia, winning several awards at international film festivals. The film's success was due in large part to the powerful performance by Sergei Borodv Jr., who tragically died in an avalanche while filming a sequel to the movie in 2002. Borodv's performance in Brother is widely regarded as one of the best in Russian cinema, and the film has become a cult classic in Russia and beyond.

Overall, Brother is a powerful and moving film that offers a powerful commentary on the state of Russia in the 1990s. The film's realistic portrayal of violence and crime, combined with its complex and morally ambiguous protagonist, make for a thought-provoking and engaging viewing experience.