Watch Brother 2

Brother 2 is a 2000 Russian crime drama film directed by Aleksei Balabanov. The film follows the story of Danila Bagrov (Sergey Bodrov), a rural teenager who moves to Saint Petersburg to locate his elder brother, Viktor (Viktor Sukhorukov). Viktor had relocated to find his fortune but is now involved in organized crime. Danila unintentionally becomes a hitman himself in a violent underworld conflict.

The movie is set in St. Petersburg, Russia, and features a triad war between Russian, Chechen, and Chinese gangs. It is a tale of poignant, thought-provoking and merciless urban photography, which deals with the desolate landscapes and alienating environments that Danila Bagrov, the character played by Sergey Bodrov, finds himself in.

The movie is a sequel to the 1997 film Brother, also directed by Balabanov. The character of Danila Bagrov has since become a cult icon in the post-Soviet era. The film begins with Danila returning to Russia after fighting in the First Chechen War. As he lands in Moscow, he is faced with a corrupt customs officer trying to extort money from him.

Danila then heads to St. Petersburg, where he is welcomed by his brother Viktor, a contract killer working for a Chechen gang led by Aslan (Aleksandr Dyachenko). Initially, Viktor tries to persuade his brother to return home, but Danila decides to stay, impressed by Viktor's wealth and status.

Through Viktor, Danila becomes involved with the St. Petersburg underworld, which is controlled by the Chinese Triads, the Chechens, and the Russians. He soon becomes a hitman and a valuable asset to the Chechen gang. Danila's admirable qualities of loyalty, honesty, and respect become evident as he navigates the murky world of gangsters.

As the story progresses, Danila unearths the ugly side of gang warfare, leading to a poignant ending. The movie portrays a bleak, post-Soviet Russia, where the perils of capitalism have created a society with no values or morals, leading to an increase in violence and organized crime.

The film's cinematography is outstanding, capturing the mood of the film perfectly. The use of handheld cameras by Balabanov adds to the realism of the movie, making it more engaging and immersive. The film's soundtrack further enhances the mood of the film, with a blend of rock and techno music.

Brother 2 is an intense and thought-provoking motion picture. The film does an excellent job of portraying the fragility of human life and morality. It is a harsh reminder of the perils of the post-Soviet world and the consequences of capitalism.

Sergey Bodrov's performance as Danila is noteworthy. He portrays a character who is compassionate, honest, and resolute. Viktor Sukhorukov, as Viktor Bagrov, is also exceptional, portraying a character who is conflicted, brutal, and cunning.

Overall, Brother 2 is a must-watch for fans of the crime-drama genre. It is a seamless follow-up to its prequel, building on the themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and sacrifice. The movie is an evocative tale of human nature, where the line between right and wrong, and good and evil, is blurred. It is a movie that perfectly captures the hopelessness of post-Soviet Russia and the consequences of living in a valueless society.