Watch Our Own

Our Own, also known as Svoi, is a Russian war drama film released in 2004. Directed by Dmitriy Meskhiev, the film features an outstanding cast that comprises Konstantin Khabenskiy, Sergey Garmash, and Ben Perino. Set in the backdrop of World War II, Our Own tells the story of a group of Russian soldiers who are tasked with retrieving a precious German tank.

The story revolves around the life of Ivan Sanchin (played by Konstantin Khabenskiy), a Russian soldier who is desperate to leave the warzone and reunite with his family. However, fate has something else in store for him as he's assigned with a special mission. Along with a group of other soldiers, Ivan is ordered to retrieve a Panther tank, one of the latest and most advanced German tanks at the time, which has been left behind in a nearby village.

The group, consisting of soldiers from different backgrounds, sets out on their mission with the hope of achieving their goal as quickly as possible. But as they advance, they realize that the tank has become the target of both Russian and German troops. The group faces numerous challenges as they encounter German deserters, rogue Russian soldiers, and other obstacles that threaten to derail their efforts.

As the story unfolds, we see the soldiers struggling with their own inner demons, haunted by the memories of the war and the atrocities they've witnessed. Ivan, in particular, wrestles with his own guilt over leaving his family behind to fight in the war, and the trauma he's experienced on the battlefield. In contrast, the leader of the group, Captain Fedotov (played by Sergey Garmash), remains stoic and rigid in his determination to complete the mission.

Throughout the film, we witness the soldiers' struggle for survival as they come face-to-face with the harsh realities of war. But amidst the chaos and destruction, we also glimpse the humanity that exists among the soldiers. We see them forge unlikely friendships and provide emotional support to one another, as they attempt to navigate the horrors of war.

Overall, Our Own is a gripping war drama that effectively captures the brutality and devastation of the war, while also exploring the human element of the conflict. The film features strong performances from the cast, particularly Konstantin Khabenskiy, whose portrayal of Ivan Sanchin is both nuanced and emotionally charged. The stunning cinematography captures the stark beauty of the war-torn landscape, while the haunting musical score adds to the film's overall sense of gravity.

The film received multiple accolades upon its release, including nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay at the Nika Awards - Russia's equivalent of the Academy Awards. It remains one of the most notable war films ever made in Russia, cementing its place as a classic in the genre.