Prisoner of the Mountains

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Virgo V 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. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/18/25 Full Review Dave S 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. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 11/17/23 Full Review razvan p http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x13poef_prisoner-of-the-mountains-1996-pt-1_creation Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member 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 Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review Audience Member 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. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/17/23 Full Review Audience Member 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. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Prisoner of the Mountains

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