Watch Bednye Rodstvenniki

Bednye Rodstvenniki is a Russian comedy-drama film that was released in 2005. The movie's title is translated as "Poor Relatives," which refers to the main characters' financial situation. The film stars some of Russia's most prominent actors, including Konstantin Khabenskiy, Leonid Kanevskiy, and Sergey Garmash. The story of Bednye Rodstvenniki revolves around four unemployed friends who come together to plan a robbery. They are all struggling to make ends meet and are tired of constantly being broke. The group consists of four men: Andrey (played by Konstantin Khabenskiy), Kostya (played by Leonid Kanevskiy), Gena (played by Sergey Garmash), and Valera (played by Aleksandr Bashirov).

Andrey is a former military pilot who was discharged from service after an accident that left him mentally scarred. Kostya is a taxi driver who can't seem to hold down a job. Gena is an alcoholic who is constantly in and out of rehab. Valera is a former convict who has just been released from prison.

The four friends decide to rob a bank so that they can finally have the money they need to improve their lives. The plan is simple: they will steal a car, drive it through the front doors of the bank, and take the money. However, things don't go according to plan, and the group gets into all sorts of trouble.

While Bednye Rodstvenniki is a comedy, it also has a strong dramatic component. The film examines issues such as poverty, unemployment, and alienation in modern-day Russia. The characters are all struggling to make ends meet and are frustrated with their lives. They live in a world where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, and they feel marginalized and left behind.

One of the film's strongest aspects is its characterization. The four main characters are well-drawn, and the actors give excellent performances. Konstantin Khabenskiy, in particular, shines as Andrey, the former pilot who is struggling with PTSD. He brings both humor and pathos to the role, making Andrey a sympathetic and compelling character.

The supporting cast is also strong, with notable performances from Mariya Shukshina as a bank employee and Aleksandr Pal as a police detective. The film's director, Pavel Lungin, does a great job of balancing the different elements of the story, seamlessly moving from comedy to drama and back again.

The film's cinematography is also worth noting. The camera work is excellent, with some beautiful shots of Moscow and the surrounding countryside. The film's score is also well done, with a mix of classical and contemporary music that complements the action on screen.

Overall, Bednye Rodstvenniki is a well-crafted and entertaining film that provides an insightful look into the lives of ordinary Russians struggling to get by. While it has some darker moments, it ultimately ends on a hopeful note, suggesting that even in the face of adversity, there is always a way forward. If you're a fan of Russian cinema or simply looking for a good comedy-drama, this film is definitely worth checking out.