I expected nothing of this film but was hooked - it is a fascinating film about Chechens taking hostages in the 1990s. The film was made in 2002. Putin was in charge of Russia then too and his photo and terrorist policy features.
The real star here is the actor Aleksey Chadov - who is brilliant in this and perfectly cast. It's an action role but way more than that about a highly complex military situation in Chechnya, part of Russia. He relates the story.
As one Chechen says to the main Russian character: "you gave away your country in Kazakstan and Ukraine". Putin would no doubt agree...
The most irritating thing is the bumbling cartoon character Englishman and his oh-so-irritating girlfriend., Not the actor;s fault - Ian Kelly does well. The script to blame.
Watch the half hour MAKING OF extra - it is fascinating.
Quite violent at times and with random Russian rock music.
But a great film all in all - and fascinating to see a war film set in Chechnya.
4 stars. Would be 5 but a star deducted for the cartoon character Englishman stereotype and the random soundtrack.