Leviathan (2014)

I will not go into many details here. A great and impressive movie about humanity at a certain point in time in some particular circumstances. I would not see it neccessarily as a portrait of modern Russia more as of a portrait of a simple life faced with the complexity of a system that overpowers you.

Fmovies: Leviathan is one special piece of cinema. It is definetely not for everyone, if you are looking just for fun entertainment and light hearted hollywood ending this is not for you, if you are enjoying cold, atmospheric and pessimistic movies Leviathan is definetely for you. Leviathan is directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev one the Russia's most talented directors and with Leviathan he shows that he is one of the most talented and interesting directors not only in Russia, but in the world. Before Leviathan from Zvyagintsev i have just watched The Return, it was okay movie for me, especially enjoyed the landscapes of Northwest Murmansk region and atmosphere but something was missing. Leviathan is also happening in the region mentioned above, but it is more complex and more social themed oriented. In Leviathan Zvyagintsev shows all the bad things happening in Russia and it is totally realistic, ultra realistic, so much that reminded me on the situation in my home country. It seems that is case in all East European countries, but in Russia that corruption and unfairness is on the highest level. Local politicans and mayors of bleak and criminal past, corrupted justice system, corrupted police. As a result of all that, ordinary citizens don't have any hope, and from desperation they are drinking and drinking too much, and family starts to broke up. The atmosphere in the movie is cold, dark, brooding, disturbing but at the same time meditative, atmospheric and thought provoking. Landscapes of Russian Northwest are just breathaking and camera work is just insanely good, i like the slowness/minimalist approach of the movie so you can enjoy feel the atmosphere even more. There is no much music in the movie, only two themes taken from legendary minimalist composer Philipp Glass but they are going so well with the movie that is just fantastic. Acting in the movie is extraordinary but i was most amazed by Roman Madyanov who is acting the main villain, the corrupted mayor, he is so good and real in that role, also his look is so good for the role, he is really looking like all of this fat corrupted "businessmans" with round heads you can see driving big Jeeps. This movie totally left me speachless after watch, i was amazed and disturbed at the same time, ending at the church is one of the best endings i have ever seen. A must see for all lovers of the true cinema. Leviathan will be future classic, and Zvyagintsev admired one day like Tarkovsky. I gave 10/10.

cold, cruel, minimalistic. the force of image and the silence. the atmosphere from The Return, the characters from Elena. and the fight against almighty corrupt system. the lost of each pillar of existence and the desire to demonstrate your truth. inspired cast and strange landscapes. and, sure, a lot of controversies. in fact, the film is only tool for remind the heart of reality. a manifesto without enthusiasm. a verdict. it is beautiful and deep bitter. because it reflects the forms of falling world. the solitude as last solution. the pressure of system. the fight for survive. a film who reminds basic things. and a great director as inspired guide in the heart of reality. one of Rusian movies who could remind many masterpieces. but it is not Tarkovsky, it is not Abuladze, it remains a Zvyagintsev. his confession. about a reality and about new Job.

Leviathan fmovies. From the very beginning up to very end you can feel the tension and the emotions up to a pure exaggeration! This is not at all something negative! The photography is absolutely enchanting and offers to the viewer that beautiful heartbeat that in a such a film is essential. Amazing, unforgettable landscapes!

You cannot resist in taking sides when you see and understand the heroes battling with their demons and their enemies, that seem to be surrounding everything that makes their lives...

Andrey Zvyagintsev after the wonders of drama, passion and mystic lyricism (Vozvrashchenie and Izgnanie) offers yet another one similar of his creations, adding though, a "spicy" allow me to say subject, a taboo, about corruption in modern day Russia and how all those things which are considered as high values to the Russian State and people, seem to be part in this injustice, destroying peoples' lives.

"Leviathan" is a David and Goliath story set in a desolate Russian fishing-town.

We've seen it before- a man desperately tries to keep his property being taken away from rich greedy fat cats.

But this is also a strong family drama, a tale of friendship, betrayal, corruption, hope, hopelessness...

Impressive acting overall, the very slow paced narrative and almost no music besides two fitting Philip Glass pieces make this a movie to remember.

The cinematography also deserves a mention, there are countless wonderfully framed scenes.

Excellent slow burning drama.

From the first five minutes, I was appealed to this movie more than 3/4 of what I've seen this year. It was dark, it was beautifully shot, and established its characters nicely. People complain it took too long for the characters to be established and that the story took too long to unfold. Haven't you heard of visual storytelling? As it plays out, you find out the dark shadows that follow each character and who they really are in the situation they're in. From the wife (most interesting character), to the step- son of the wife. The father is a dark character that is strained beyond limits, and the fantastic acting portrayed by the father is just one of the great performances done by all the actors and actresses. It fights the bond of love, land, and power. The corruption that still stands tall in Russia and its small towns that surround the leviathan that is the story. It unravels extremely slow, but thats what makes more of an impact. The over-thirty second shot of the woman in court explaining the case is so well done, you can really just see the effort put into each role in the film. If only American films could be so well thought out. For any person who has the near two and a half hour time to watch a superb film, sit down and immerse yourself into the gloomy world that inhabits these characters. It teaches you, it haunts you, it stays with you.