Scott_MSM Four Millennial buddies make money scavenging battlefields for medals and other collectibles. They start out superficial and materialistic. They end up maturing a decade or so in the course of a few days spent in the middle of the Patriotic War in 1942. Only flaw in this fine film, IMHO, is that the director does not show the group giving the cigarette case to the old woman whom they wronged at the start of the adventure. This is mainly an intense war film with some scifi trappings. The four friends rapidly learn that loyalty, patriotism and courage count for more than the latest game or nihilistic hanging out. Very good acting all around though the individual roles are from Central Casting: the ultranationalist, the nerd, the puer aeternus, the potential-to-be-a-leader, the brave female. SPOILER FOLLOWS The action proper begins when the group is approached by an old woman who asks them to find out what happened to her son who was MIA in 1942. The group laughs at her and shines her on-why, oh why, don't we teach our kids to never ever wrong and old woman whom they meet in the wild? Yep, she sends them back to 1942 on the eve of an offensive. Some temporal paradox here but the director crafts such a fine film that these are easily forgotten.

hte-trasme This production started with a good concept: a group of young contemporary men who dig up World War II memorabilia for its cash and souvenir value -- one of whom is a skinhead with a swastika tattoo - - are magically transported back in time to the war itself. While the realization looks very good and I don't have any problems with the script itself, its a long time between sections of dialogue, and it ends up seeming as if the characters and situations have never been fully developed -- which is a shame given such a potentially interesting situation. The period battles are very impressively recreated, but I couldn't help getting the feeling that the producers were so caught up with this aspect of the productions that some of the things that make a really satisfying movie were left out. The love story that there is seems sketched -- the girl resists and then is suddenly completely in love with the hero. In the end, the protagonists feel the terror of battle over glorious-sounding music and return home humbled. Even this feels like it happened so quickly after they were so recently just trying to get themselves out of there, and it seems like sentimentalization of the "Great Patriotic War" as it is known in Russia. In a film that is almost two hours long there is really no need for events to seem as rushed as they do, due to set pieces being given precedence at the expense of characters and scenes. Though it's certainly not a complete failure, given the premise it seems like a missed opportunity.

jvaldeztoo First off, I would most likely categorize this movie as more of a fantasy than a work of science fiction, and rightly so, because of its vehicle for time travel and setting. I watched this movie in the original Russian without sub-titles. I do not speak Russian, and I cannot say I am familiar with the country or its history. When I started to view it, I found the directing and cinematography to be interesting, so I continued, expecting to shut it off and go to bed. Instead, I was captivated by the story, and could tell from the acting and foreshadowing what the story was about, without understanding the language. In addition, I fully understood the concepts and experiences portrayed at the point of climax and the message the film intended. I enjoyed this film because of its elements, the love story intertwined with the wake up call to the younger generation known for forgetting the past, confounded with unexpected twists that led them on an adventure of inner growth and a closer examination of the meaning of life, nationality and sacrifice. I felt a greater interest in the Russian people after viewing this movie, and it left that kind of lump in my throat, wanting more, sad for their loss, and glad for what was gained. I did not expect such a melancholy feeling but I also felt after watching the movie that I needed it. I think this movie is a brilliant example of how a newer generation, regardless of culture, can romanticize the past even to the point of translating a gross, evil invader into something cool or popular without even realizing what it means. This is a great movie for young adults--thoughtful, yet entertaining, sending its message directly to your heart.

njumeil This movie is not about time travel. It is about the present and the past. There is no present without the past. If you forget, destroy your past in your heart - you and your nation have no future. Cherep (Skull) is a modern radical nationalist in the modern Russia. The other three guys represent other parts of Russian society: student, that gave up on studies for some quick buck, rapper-anti-fa and fourth one - "golden boy". Lost generation, but with a hope.Their world is going to turn upside down. They all get into the past, to the middle of WWII, where they grandfathers fight with Hitler's Germany. Lessons are to be learned for a present and for the future to be saved.Imagine someone who gives his life for the his motherland to be told: "In the XXI century, men, dressed in black, will walk on the streets of Moscow and shout "Heil Hitler." If you don't get it, switch "Moscow" to "New York" or the city you live in, and you will understand.