ada
the leading man is my tpye
Jeanskynebu
the audience applauded
ChicRawIdol
A brilliant film that helped define a genre
Teddie Blake
The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.
Jossaboss
To fully appreciate this documentary, you should have no idea about the political situation in Russia today. This film weaves a fictitious web about NASHI, in our Western MSM described as a
Russian youth organization, much like Hitler Jugend, tasked with creating enemies within Russia. The purpose of the movie is to provide a so called inside picture of Putin and his friends. Elegantly we are taken on make to believe journey where Putin's mind less drones are attacking those labeled as enemies, opposition or Western friendly, and celebrating nationalism, pro-government and militarism. For the general viewer, the story is well framed and sits well with other current and not so current stories about Russia and its leader.
Sam N
My issues with this film were as follows: - young people acting like idiots (destroying things, beating people up, 'vandalizing' cars, acting out for cameras, joining cult-like groups and leaving them as relationships go hot/cold) is hardly proof of any kind of conspiracy other than young people in Russia are the same as young people everywhere. And that douche-bag men with napoleon complexes will take advantage of them. - the Masha girl whose character arc was the film's arc was completely unbelievable. The tragedy of her is completely common - for a brief time when she was 16-17, she was very attractive. Men treated her well. Because she was a child, she didn't realize that she was being used. (To say she had a position of power in Nashi based on that film is ridiculous, as her power was directly linked to how much the leader wanted her around - that's not real power). As he gets tired of her, she moves on to where she can get that attention from someone else- a group of reporters from the other side (ohhhhh so extreme) (she calls them her friends while they describe her joining their group as great 'social entertainment, to see what will happen'). -She says it herself in her tips of public speaking: 'if you have to give an opinion, believe in it.' (paraphrased) she brainwashes herself to whatever role gets the attention. It's sad for her (although hardly unique). But it also undercuts any believability in this documentary. She's always posing for someone - whether for the leader of Nashi, the danish reporter, the director, or someone else - her 'conversations' are re-enacted and scripted into this role that doesn't seem any more authentic than anything else about her.
MartinHafer
To fully appreciate this documentary, you need to have some idea of the political situation in Russia today. Although technically a democratically elected government and wildly popular with the people, it is essentially a dictatorship. That's because police routinely arrest opposition party candidates (only to release them AFTER the election is over) and journalists are murdered--and so, it's actually a one-party system.This film is about one element that works hard to enforce the will of Putin and his friends. The NASHI is a youth organization that is fiercely nationalistic, pro-government and against 'enemies of the state'--though these enemies are either vague or people who simply are the opposition party. And, many elements within the NASHI then take it on themselves to attack these folks--after all, they've been repeatedly been told they are the nation's enemies! Sounds familiar? Of course, its parallels to the Hitler Youth are obvious.Instead of just doing an exposé on NASHI, this film does something very creative. It follows a high officer within NASHI--one of their rising stars. And, through the course of the film you see her gradually begin to question this need to create enemies within Russia. And, she sees friends beaten just for offering civil dissent.This film is very well-constructed, insightful and will most likely cause a strong reaction within the viewer--all hallmarks of an excellent film. Very thought-provoking--never dull. The bottom line is even if you like Putin, you can't possibly see the system as democratic when the government creates a self-serving youth group and encourages them to 'action' (whatever that means).
CurtHerzstark
This documentary details the life of a member(Masha Drokova) of Nashi, youth political organization that supports Vladimir Putin, President and Prime minister of the Russian Federation.At first Nashi seems like any type of political youth organization, like Young Democrats of America or Young Republicans. But as this doc claims there are more darker sides to this youth organization that meets the eye.Nashi seems more preoccupied with trying to silence their opposition using very violent methods, propaganda, using football hooligans to beat up people etc. Masha Drokova at first, denies these allegations but then gets to know one of Putins biggest critics, Oleg Kashin and his friends.Oleg Kashin claims that Nashi is fully comparable to Hitler Jugend, and that it only serves as mean to brainwash Russia's youth to obey Putin. Masha Drokova on other hand tries to convince him of the opposite until one day.....This documentary is quite simply just as riveting as any political thriller, look at All the King's Men (1949), Choose Connor (2007), The Ides of March (2011)etc. Or other fascinating documentaries about politics, Follow the Leader: Young, American and Right (2012), The War Room (1993)etc.What we get to see is a young girl full of idealism, naiveté and also part of the new young Russia that was born after the fall of communism, and has only benefited(socially, economically) during Putins reign.Viewers interested to know more of Russia today, and why critics seems so hard on Putin, etc should watch this. Others should stay away.
