winter: (objects - chain)
[personal profile] winter
I saw Dnevnoy Dozor, the sequel to Night Watch, today. I liked the original movie for its slightly mad take on urban fantasy, Russian-punk style, even if the plot could use work, and I like the original books (completely different from the movies).

Day Watch left me reeling. It's - post-modern is probably the wrong word, but it's a mad ride of tropes and plots and postcard-like scenes that stay with you. Fate and inescapability and escape. Lots of emphasis on father-son issues, and two of the main characters (Olga and Anton) body-switching and the actors having such complete fun with it. They must have spent ages studying each other's body language, because Olga in a male body was to die for.

It's such a decadent, oneiric movie, and at the same time the plot is tight. Every moment pushes the action forward. Visually, it's stunning - less elf-punk grime and more New Russian shine, and effects are gorgeous in their simplicity. Let's just say that for the four million (USD) total this film cost, they blew up Moscow, got Tamerlane to invade Samarkand, and filmed the best ending to a truck chicken-fight ever. If you asked me to name a budget figure for the effects alone, I'd say forty million and wouldn't be surprised at twice that.

So yes, recommended, especially if you want to see the East-West divide in action, mentality-wise - it's such a Russian movie. And I think it woke up certain characters of mine, which is good, because it's been ages since I wrote Flowers of the Frost.

(no subject)

Date: 2007-09-15 06:06 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] arabwel.livejournal.com
Daaaaamn.. now I serioulsy want to see this thing. I have seen Night Watch - I adored the villain whose name escapes me right now - and you are amking this sounds like something I should nto miss.

(no subject)

Date: 2007-09-15 07:04 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] armadillogoddes.livejournal.com
Hm, I read part of Night Watch and then misplaced my book somewhere... I haven't seen any of the films, but I'll have to look into this. (And see if I can locate my book...) You said the films are completely different from the books--do you think one is better than the other?

I think it's me but..

Date: 2007-09-15 11:44 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] dracschick.livejournal.com
I couldn't get into the books or the movie.

(no subject)

Date: 2007-09-16 04:07 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] b-a-n-s-h-e-e.livejournal.com
Heh, I liked it too, especially the scene closer towards the end, when the witch was writing all over the wall in an attempt to bring Kostya back. So much hope and so much despair.

Have they released it in English already or did you watch it in Russian?

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Beth Winter

October 2023

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