Watch The Major

The Major is a gripping Russian drama film from 2013 that follows the story of a Major in the local police force, Sobolev, played by Denis Shvedov. The film is directed by Yuriy Bykov, who also co-stars in the film as a corrupt cop, and also features Irina Nizina as the mother of a victim of a hit and run. The film opens with a shocking scene in which Sobolev accidentally runs over a young boy while speeding to a crime scene. Sobolev then goes on to cover up the accident and manipulate the evidence so as to avoid facing any severe consequences for his negligent actions. This sets off a chain of events that ends up in a gripping thriller about power, corruption, and redemption.

As the film progresses, the stakes become higher and higher for Sobolev as he becomes embroiled in a web of corruption and deceit that threatens to expose him and destroy his career. He is aided by the corrupt police officer (played excellently by Bykov), who seeks to protect him at any cost, leading to a series of tense and gripping exchanges between the two.

Meanwhile, the mother of the boy who was killed, played brilliantly by Nizina, is seeking justice for her son's death. She is shown to be a caring mother who loved her son dearly and is acutely aware of the corruption in the police force that is preventing her from getting answers she desperately seeks. Her portrayal of a mother's grief is heart-wrenching, and her scenes with Sobolev are some of the most powerful in the film.

The film's existence is a commentary on Russia's continuing issues with corruption and its impact on society. In this story, it is brought to life through the character of Sobolev, a man who started his career with good intentions but was gradually worn down by the corrupt system within which he works. This is particularly evident in the film's final act, which is an unnerving examination of the price of morality.

In terms of technical aspects, the film's cinematography is excellent, with many scenes shot in muted colors in order to convey the bleak urban environment in which it takes place. Bykov's direction is well-suited to the story he is telling, with long takes and an intimate use of close-ups that highlights the emotions of each character. The music by Andrey Dergachev is also noteworthy, as it adds to the tension in some intense sequences of the film.

In conclusion, The Major is a riveting crime thriller that serves as a scathing critique of Russia's corruption culture. The acting, direction, cinematography, and score all come together to make the film an intense viewing experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. It is a testament to the quality of filmmaking coming out of Russia and is well worth watching for fans of the genre.

The Major is a 2012 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.