Watch Dead Man's Bluff

Dead Man's Bluff is a Russian action-comedy film released in 2005. The movie tells a story of two hitmen, named Step and Kostya, who work for a powerful gangster called The Greek. They have been sent to retrieve a suitcase full of money from a rival gang, which ended up being in the hands of a nerdy scientist named Sergei. Step and Kostya successfully retrieve the suitcase and start their journey back to The Greek's lair. On the way, they get involved in a series of misadventures that make their journey much more difficult than they anticipated. Meanwhile, a police detective named Ganzha is investigating the gang activity and is getting closer to uncovering The Greek's criminal empire.

The movie's cast is led by Aleksey Panin, who plays Step, the more serious and experienced hitman of the two. He is stoic and ruthless, but also has a soft spot for his accomplice and friend, Kostya, who is portrayed by Dmitriy Dyuzhev. Kostya is the more carefree and impulsive of the two, and often provides comic relief with his antics.

Nikita Mikhalkov also appears in the film as The Greek, the powerful mob boss who employs Step and Kostya. Mikhalkov plays the character with a cold and menacing demeanor, adding to the tension and danger of the story.

The film is directed by Aleksey Balabanov, known for his gritty and stylized approach to cinema. The movie's visuals are dark and moody, complementing the gritty crime aesthetic. The humor in the movie is often dark and sarcastic, giving the movie a distinct tone that balances action and comedy.

The plot of Dead Man's Bluff is fairly straightforward, but the movie stands out for its strong character development and engaging performances. Step and Kostya are an unlikely pairing, but their chemistry and banter are some of the movie's highlights. As the movie progresses, their motives and loyalties are tested, adding depth to their otherwise one-dimensional roles.

The supporting cast is also noteworthy, as the movie features a colorful array of characters that add flavor to the story. From the hapless scientist to the corrupt police officers, every character has their own quirks and motivations that drive the plot forward.

Despite its humor and lighthearted moments, Dead Man's Bluff is not afraid to tackle darker themes such as violence, corruption, and greed. The movie's action scenes are intense and brutal, showing the consequences of a life of crime.

Overall, Dead Man's Bluff is a well-crafted action-comedy that boasts strong performances and an engaging story. Its blend of humor and violence may not be for everyone, but fans of the genre will find a lot to enjoy in this Russian gem.