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Prisoner of the Mountains

Play trailer Poster for Prisoner of the Mountains R 1996 1h 38m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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88% Tomatometer 25 Reviews 87% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
On patrol in the Caucasus mountains, Russian soldiers Vanya (Sergei Bodrov Jr.) and Sacha (Oleg Menshikov) become the prisoners of a Chechen village. Tribal leader Abdul-Murat (Jemal Sikharulidze) is willing to release the pair unharmed in exchange for his son, who is a prisoner in the custody of the Russians. After writing to their mothers with Abdul-Murat's terms, the duo are powerless to do anything but wait for an answer while getting used to life in the village.

Critics Reviews

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Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune 08/16/2017
3.5/4
The mountain-top locations are stunning; it's like a visit to the moon. And the story has all of the cynicism of war itself. Go to Full Review
Rick Groen Globe and Mail 04/12/2002
3/4
Once our disbelief gets suspended, a spell is definitely cast. Go to Full Review
Desson Thomson Washington Post 01/22/2002
The outcome of this movie isn't exactly Hollywood material, but it stirs thoughts and feelings that outlast all too many American studio releases. Go to Full Review
Chuck O'Leary Fantastica Daily 10/08/2005
2/5
Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com 06/11/2005
4/5
Jim Shelby Palo Alto Weekly 11/06/2003
0/4
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Audience Reviews

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Virgo V @vision Jan 18 Prisoner of the Mountains, also known as Prisoner of the Caucasus, is a 1996 Russian war drama film directed by Sergei Bodrov, based on the 1872 short story The Prisoner in the Caucasus by Leo Tolstoy. The film explores the clash between traditional Chechen culture and Russian military tactics during the First Chechen War, focusing on the personal struggle between two Russian soldiers and their Chechen captors. Bodrov suggested to The New York Times that the film played a role in initiating peace talks between Russia and its neighbors, as it was screened to President Yeltsin on a Sunday and discussions began the next day. The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and a Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Prisoner of the Mountains is a film that depicts the human side of war and the conflict between Russia and Chechnya. Some say the film is engaging, well-acted and has a strong sense of place. Character development The film focuses on the characters and their perspectives, rather than just the violence of war. Sense of place The film has a strong sense of place, with stunning mountain-top locations. Shows the human condition The film shows the human condition at its best and worst and how people come to terms with the realization that their enemy considers death a victory. The story is so full of nuance, irony, compassion and wit that I can't possibly comment after just a single viewing. See more Dave S 03/06/2021 In Prisoner of the Mountains, two Russian soldiers are captured and held captive in a remote mountaintop village after an attack by Chechen rebels. The premise is simple, but what makes the story of interest is how the prisoners adapt to life in captivity and begin to relate to their captors, who plan on killing them if they are unsuccessful in their attempt at a prisoner exchange. Despite the fact that the film seems flawed at times (there are some very disjointed scenes and a handful of scenes that feel unnecessary), it is worth watching for some fine acting, sound cinematography, and a fascinating locale. See more razvan p @n1mr0d 02/04/2015 http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x13poef_prisoner-of-the-mountains-1996-pt-1_creation See more 04/09/2014 As an anti-war film, it certainly delivers its message powerfully. But never have we seen the First Chechen War from the Russian perspective as portrayed in this movie. Full review at filmbroadcaster.weebly.com See more 08/08/2013 A drama with an funny undertone, especially the first part. The story is all right - two Russians get captured by muslim rebels in the Caucasus. We get a bond between people of different countries and this is what the film really is about if you ask me. Cool nature, interesting cultures and an OK war film setting. Actually it's all right on most features. You won't get bored and there seem to be a message here. Good anti-war flick in a quite creative way. Not much wrong with this film, but nothing extraordinary either 7 out of 10 wooden birds. See more 11/01/2012 I liked this movie, although it is not one I would watch over and over again. So many things went wrong, if and only if ... things would have turned out better. Loved the cast. So sad that the actor Sergei Bodrov, Jr. died in real life, he was such a good actor in this and in the other movies I saw him in. See more Read all reviews
Prisoner of the Mountains

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Movie Info

Synopsis On patrol in the Caucasus mountains, Russian soldiers Vanya (Sergei Bodrov Jr.) and Sacha (Oleg Menshikov) become the prisoners of a Chechen village. Tribal leader Abdul-Murat (Jemal Sikharulidze) is willing to release the pair unharmed in exchange for his son, who is a prisoner in the custody of the Russians. After writing to their mothers with Abdul-Murat's terms, the duo are powerless to do anything but wait for an answer while getting used to life in the village.
Director
Sergey Bodrov
Producer
Sergey Bodrov, Boris Giller
Screenwriter
Arif Aliyev, Sergey Bodrov, Boris Giller, Leo Tolstoy
Distributor
Orion Pictures
Rating
R
Genre
Drama
Original Language
Russian
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 31, 1996, Original
Release Date (DVD)
Jul 1, 2003
Box Office (Gross USA)
$739.6K
Runtime
1h 38m
Sound Mix
Dolby