Zero City

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Virgo V Zerograd (Gorod Zero), also translated as City Zero, Zero City or Zero Town, is a 1989 Russian mystery film directed by Karen Shakhnazarov, described as an absurdist comedy by Mosfilm. Director Karen Shakhnazarov's 1989 Zerograd, out today in a new 2K transfer on Blu-ray, brings us back to a time when both decay and change were in the air. A Moscow engineer Alexey Varakin visits a factory in a small town on a business trip, where his bizarre adventures begin. A 33-year-old film featuring a naked secretary and a head-shaped cake turns out to be one of the best explanations of the ideas driving the Russian leader. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/07/25 Full Review Nawt W Shakhnazarov's movie allegories would've been seen as a bit dull if they weren't so prophetic. This one, unlike something like Courier, doesn't even pretend that it has anything in the story but that allegory. A very blatant showcase as to why the Soviet Union's decline and disintegration were imminent, presented in a microcosm of a single city. No one knows what they are producing, they are just working the plan. Museums whitewash or conjure up historical relevancy to create an illusion of prestige, and the most socially relevant event in the city's history has nothing to do with Russia or Russian culture. And while the entire top-brass is busy investigating conspiracies they themselves create, Varakin asks "What can I do?" to which the answer from the Prosecutor is "Nothing".  Just sit there and let it all roll over, which is the exact sentiment of the late 1980's Soviet citizens. Everyone knew it was coming. The scramble for territories, the overturn, and the following results are actually seen on TV today. The conclusion might have been the most prophetic part of the movie. You indeed can not escape. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 10/18/22 Full Review Bob N A bizarre and amazing look at one man's journey in the last days of the USSR. A masterpiece. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/18/22 Full Review Audience Member Marvellous, but I'm still not 100% sure I understood everything as it was sooooo twisted! I felt very satisfied after leaving the cinema. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/17/23 Full Review Audience Member Humour noir dans une URSS qui etait en train de perecliter! Un sens de la derision tres tres pousse! Tres drole et en meme temps un peu kafkaen dans l absurdite des situations... Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/19/23 Full Review Audience Member Pretty damn amazing, but I got lost a few times because it was in Russian. But reminded me of a dark Wes Anderson film. I would love to adapt this film. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/16/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Zero City

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