Watch Little Odessa

Little Odessa is a crime drama film from 1994, directed by James Gray. The movie premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and won the Silver Lion award. The cast includes Tim Roth, Edward Furlong, Moira Kelly, and Vanessa Redgrave. The story is set in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Brighton Beach, known as Little Odessa for its large population of Russian immigrants. The protagonist is Joshua Shapira, a hitman who returns to his hometown after years of living in New York City. Joshua is a cold and emotionless character, who seems immune to the violence and brutality of his profession. He is hired by the Russian mafia to kill a rival gang member, and he executes the task with clinical efficiency.

Joshua's return to Little Odessa brings up a lot of memories and conflicts, as he is surrounded by his dysfunctional family and the ghosts of his past. His father, Arkady, is a former Russian criminal who still holds a lot of influence in the neighborhood. His mother, Irina, is a religious woman who disapproves of her son's lifestyle. Joshua's younger brother, Reuben, is an aspiring journalist who resents his older brother's absence and success.

As Joshua tries to keep a low profile and avoid the police and his enemies, he reconnects with his former girlfriend, Alla, who is now married with a child. Joshua and Alla's relationship is complicated and fraught with tension, as they both have a lot of unresolved issues and secrets. Meanwhile, Reuben is investigating a series of murders in the area, and his research leads him to Joshua's doorstep. The confrontation between the two brothers is explosive and has tragic consequences.

Little Odessa is a slow-burning movie that explores themes of family, identity, and violence. The performances are excellent, especially Tim Roth, who delivers a nuanced portrayal of a troubled and detached character. Edward Furlong, who was a rising star at the time, plays the rebellious and resentful Reuben with intensity and vulnerability. Moira Kelly is also fantastic as the conflicted and vulnerable Alla, who tries to navigate her feelings for Joshua and her responsibilities as a wife and mother.

The film's visual style is gritty and realistic, capturing the bleakness and decay of the urban landscape. The use of handheld cameras and natural lighting creates a documentary-like atmosphere that enhances the sense of authenticity and immediacy. The soundtrack is composed by Wojciech Kilar and features haunting and melancholic melodies that add to the film's melancholic mood.

Overall, Little Odessa is a powerful and haunting film that explores the dark corners of the human soul. It is a movie that stays with you and lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. It is not an easy film to watch, as it deals with heavy and disturbing themes, but it is a rewarding experience for those who appreciate thoughtful and uncompromising storytelling.

Little Odessa is a 1994 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 64.