john m
There's way too much to talk about when it comes to the religion politics of this film, and I feel like it was made only to get you to talk about it from a highly analytical view. While that's good, it doesn't really get you invested in any of the characters at all.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
Full Review
alex h
I was going to watch this movie while being told by several people at the same time, that I wouldn't enjoy it and that it is not my type of movie, as there is a lot of God and Bible that is present in it. Well, all of them were wrong and in my opinion this movie is pure genius. I would start with saying that the setting provided is absolutely amazing, as it perfectly delivers the aesthetic of a person living in poverty and it perfectly gets why somebody would go crazy on religion. The main hero has no father, he is not doing well at school, as well he doesn't find success in relationships, so he turns to God. Or so I got it. Now, that is the most interesting part of the movie, as nearly everything that is happening can be interpreted in many ways. The actors are doing a great job and you are always cheering for someone, but I found myself thinking that the "Student" is not an actual protagonist, as an actual protagonist is the biology teacher. She is representing the modern side of society, the side that believes in facts and can explain everything greatly, which is the type of people that the world lacks. It is much easier to believe in the Bible to get rid of all your problems. It is also a way to try to find the purpose and meaning of life, as some people devote their lives to God. "The Student" is not something that could have actually happened, although you really believe it, but rather it is an allegory on the modern russian society and how it fails to prevent it. The student goes along with the director of the school against all new modern things created, as they are sinful, and the director in this situation is more of portrayed like a country leader, whereas the student is a small percent of people that lives with the same principles, as the leader. But, as long as these people think the same way the leader thinks, there will be no changes. Until one generation takes over another, nothing will change. This movie also shows how religion tears our minds apart, which is why I think this movie was not very well received in Russia, as of how religious people there are. As this movie's antagonist (in my opinion, but he is actually protagonist) spits in the rituals of Russian Orthodox Church, as well as he spits on all modern things, he can't accept. Gay people, which many Russian people still don't accept, as it goes against their mentality. People that are way too erotic, alongside sex before marriage. As well as that, just simple biology and facts seem ridiculous to our main hero. This movie is great in every way possible and can be seen as many things, but I would say that it is really thoughtful and besides having an interesting and tense plot, leaves you with an aftertaste to think about. Don't watch it if you are easily offended by satire on christianity or if you are a very religious person yourself, otherwise a strong 9/10, -1 point for soundtrack, which was really out of place, watch it if you can, one of the best Russian movies of this decade for sure.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Terrible movie, boring, repetitive¡¡¡¡ Dont gooo¡
Rated 0.5/5 Stars •
Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars
02/11/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Its social criticism may not be very original but the story, the way it unfolds and the brilliant performances make it something quite fresh.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
01/22/23
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Audience Member
A brilliant film from head to toe, it's a social critic perfectly set up and ingeniously developed. Epic lead performance.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/20/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Absolute masterpiece.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/20/23
Full Review
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