Brother

Brother is a 1997 Russian crime thriller directed by Aleksey Balabanov. The film stands out as a significant representation of Russia’s cinematic landscape in the post-Soviet era. Its story, embedded in the grim and gritty urban underbelly, offers a unique perspective on life in a changing nation. The film features captivating performances from Sergey Bodrov Jr. as Danila Bagrov, Viktor Sukhorukov as Viktor Bagrov, and Svetlana Pismichenko as Sveta.

The plot of Brother spins around the life of the protagonist, Danila Bagrov, who is portrayed by Sergey Bodrov Jr. After completing his military service, Danila returns to his provincial hometown. However, he fails to find his footing in the new economic reality of his native land. His mother nudges him to join his older brother Viktor, played by Viktor Sukhorukov, in St. Petersburg who she believes is a successful businessman. Unbeknownst to her, and narrated in the film without spoilers, Viktor's business ventures lie in the shadowy realms of the city’s underworld.

Once in St. Petersburg, Danila's life turns on its head as he steps into a world far from his previous military life and what he had envisioned. The audience goes on a thrilling journey with Danila as he navigates through the rough and tumble of his new life, where circumstances force him to deal with the harsh realities of post-Soviet Russia.

As a protagonist, Danila is an intriguing character. With a blend of cold-blooded efficiency and disarming vulnerability, Sergey Bodrov Jr.’s portrayal becomes one of the significant strengths of the movie. He is an outsider in the city, a bit naive but adept at the art of survival. Bodrov’s Danila is a relatable character with his struggle for existence and his sincere efforts to find love and companionship.

Viktor Sukhorukov, who plays the older brother, Viktor, stands out in a pivotal role, embodying a complex aspect of the post-Soviet Russian society. He elegantly presents a character whose moral compass is often vague and skewed by his circumstances. Throughout the film, the fraternal relationship between the two brothers evolves, revealing many hidden layers of their personalities, which becomes a poignant focus within the storyline.

Svetlana Pismichenko, playing Sveta, leaves an impression with her crucial role in the film. Her character sparks contrasting emotions, representing the narrative’s romantic component and the challenges of a woman striving to make her way in the changing society. Sveta's relationship with Danila humanizes him further and offers an expansive view of his character beyond his tough exterior.

With a taut narrative, Brother plunges deep into the realities of the grim urban life in Russia, pulling no punches in showing the stark contrast of the preceding Soviet era and the present. The film offers a profound sociological study of Russian society during the transition period of the 1990s and examines the issues of masculinity, morality, and survival.

Aleksey Balabanov’s direction and Sergey Astakhov’s cinematography work in harmony to craft an atmospheric tone that captures the essence of its setting. The camera explores the austere cityscapes and the underworld den, enveloping the film in a gritty realism that serves to enhance its blunt narrative approach. Combining drama, action, romance, and a study of societal shifts, Brother threads multiple genres seamlessly into its storyline, making it an engaging cinematic piece.

To conclude, Brother is not just a crime thriller. It’s a character-driven, atmospheric commentary on a specific period in Russian history. The film is essential viewing to understand the post-Soviet Russian cinema that harshly depicts the sociology of the time. Its elements of survival, love, and fraternal relationship make it an intense and dramatic journey, leaving viewers with an enduring impression. It left a significant impact on Russian cinema, such that a sequel was produced in 2000, taking forward the narrative of Danila’s life in the turbulent times. Brother is a film that rewards viewers with its depth, distinct characters, and climactic turns, set against the backdrop of a society in transition.