I watched a new Russian disaster film “Bullfinch”. He could easily qualify for an Oscar.

This week, the drama “Bullfinch”, a new project by Boris Khlebnikov, was released in Russian cinemas, which is in danger of becoming the main film of the year.

The picture opened the 45th Moscow International Film Festival and made a strong impression on most film critics. This film is a disaster, in which there was a place for social drama, discussions about the difference in thinking between generations and excellent acting. A movie not to be missed.

We have already gone to the premiere and are in a hurry to share our impressions.

This is a film in three genres at once

What is the movie about: The story tells about two young men who find themselves on a fishing trawl. The guys will have to face various serious challenges – from the harsh water element to the unfriendly crew of the ship.

If you read the script synopsis or watch trailer, then you might think that, first of all, the viewer is waiting for the confrontation between the elements and people, with breaks for the greasy jokes of the ship’s crew. But this film is not about sea romance and adventure.

The original title of the painting was “Three Minutes of Silence”, as the plot is based on the novel of the same name by Georgy Vladimov.

It is a pity that the authors decided to rename the film. According to international agreements, a minute of silence is a specially designated three-minute time intervals during every half hour for the transmission of radio signals of alarm, distress, safety. The perfect description for the dark plot shown in the film.

The story can really be divided into certain intervals, each of which reveals the characters in a new way and changes the viewer’s attitude towards them.

The first forty minutes of the film are quite easy casual manner. We just follow two young heroes who get to know the crew and life of modern Russian anglers.

Thanks to the skillful work of the operator, a feeling of presence in a particular event is constantly created. You are watching the characters not from the outside, but literally find yourself in the epicenter of what is happening, whether it is the first fishing, a friendly and not very dinner in the wardroom, or hard work in the hold of the ship. Immersion in the atmosphere here is maximum. The love with which the creators approached the detailing of everyday life evokes a feeling of deep respect.

Initially, it may seem that the author decided to show how modern youth is not ready for the serious difficulties that can be encountered in specific professions. At times it looks cute and funny, a kind of comedic adventure of domestic invalids on a fishing boat.

Many young viewers will certainly see situations that they themselves have encountered. When an experienced and experienced with a certain amount of sarcasm begins to teach something young and “green”. But here in these scenes there is no mockery or neglect, on the contrary, you are surprised to find that even in a stern sea wolf, almost paternal love can be manifested even for unfamiliar guys. Alexander Robak played here, perhaps, one of his best roles in his career.

And in general, I note that the casting should be said a special thank you – the perfect hit in all the images. Whether it’s the completely crazy character Yurik performed by Timofey Tribuntsev or the infantile young man Nikita, played by the director’s son Makar Khlebnikov. The actors are great at portraying their characters. And with each new scene, the characters become more voluminous and interesting.

By the end of the first hour of the story, the harsh story of education changes its mood dramatically. And this is not connected with any dramatic event. There is just a dialogue going on that fundamentally changes the mood and relationship between the crew and the newcomers. Basically, this scene is key throughout the film. In fact, this is the first moment of silence in the film.

The authors are pitting their heads against two different generations that absolutely do not understand each other.

Some seem to be frozen in time. I live on a rusted trawler, where Russian hits of the 90s still sound in the captain’s cabin, where in order to solve the problem of the catch, it is necessary to break the law again, where there is no place to live for yourself. There is only hard work as the only way to somehow survive in modern reality. Others live with the flow, do not make long-term plans, and in every possible way demonstrate apathy and unwillingness to adapt to society.

It is the unwillingness to hear each other and the shown vacuum between generations that ultimately leads to drama. The phrase that the sea of ​​mistakes does not forgive mistakes is demonstrated here simply and quickly. And this is the second minute of silence. The event that happened happens unexpectedly. No additional training or moral reasoning about fathers and children.

This movie has something for everyone.

The third act can at times feel like a nautical adaptation of A Cause of the Brave, a film about the exploits of firefighters in Arizona. The storm and the rescue operation that unfolded because of it show the unexpected heroism of a simple Russian sailor, ready to risk his own life. Simply because he can, and so it is necessary.

It is in a storm that the very difference of generations is well demonstrated, where a man hardened by time is able to accomplish a feat, and a young and inexperienced one just wants to hide in a corner. At the same time, due to tricky plot the first cannot be called a positive hero, and the second a weak-willed whiner.

In this special charm “Bullfinch”, where there is no black and white. And after watching what you see, you will want to discuss with loved ones. All events, characters and dialogues are very organically woven into the plot, thereby making the story as diverse and interesting as possible for detailed study and discussion.

Finally, the denouement takes place already on the shore. The final monologue of the hero Alexander Robak literally pierces the viewer. And this is the third minute of silence, where the viewer himself must decide whether he agrees with the phrase and the conclusion of the character or not. The case when there is no right answer, and everyone chooses the right one for himself.

Take a look, you won’t regret it. This has not been filmed in Russia for a long time

As a result, the movie turned out to be incredibly exciting.

There are no incredible camera rolls or long scenes shot in one take. But at the same time there is a maximum immersion in the atmosphere and a certain mood.

There is almost no action here, but there is an exciting storm scene that looks extremely convincing and dangerous.

There are no actors of the first magnitude, but all the characters play convincingly. And even a certain hypertrophy of the characters, rather, is good for the film.

Finally, there is no denouement as such, the authors simply demonstrate the routine that many of us face every day. And it is interesting to watch this, and this is already a lot for a drama that raises many social issues of modern Russia.