Introduction to Russian Film Directors

[10. 알렉산드라]

I took a long time to figure out which Russian directors to recommend. Everybody knows the famous Soviet filmmakers such as Sergei Eisenstein, Lev Kuleshov, and Andrei Tarkovsky. However, today there is a new generation of Russian directors who attract attention not only in Russia, but also internationally.

Andrey Zvyagintsev

Leviathan (2014)
Leviathan is a powerful social drama set in a small town in northern Russia. The film explores themes of corruption, abuse of power, faith, and the individual’s struggle against the system. Through a personal tragedy, Zvyagintsev shows how deeply politics and authority can affect ordinary lives.

The film received wide international recognition, including:

• Best Screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival
  

• Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film
  

• An Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film
  
  

Mikhail Lokshin (an American-Russian director)

Silver Skates (2020)  - on Netflix

A romantic historical film set in wintertime Saint Petersburg at the end of the 19th century. The story follows two young people from very different social backgrounds who meet on the frozen canals of the city. The film is known for its cozy atmosphere, beautiful costumes, and fairy-tale mood.

The movie stars Yura Borisov, who later gained international attention for "Anora" (Sean Baker). 

I think this film is perfect for a warm cozy winter evening. 

The Master and Margarita (2024)

Starring August Diehl as Woland, this film is an ambitious adaptation of Mikhail Bulgakov’s novel. I watched it with my friend in the cinema without any expectations, but afterward we were truly fascinated by the scale and quality of the production. The film impresses with its visuals, performances, and bold interpretation of a classic literary work.

Zhora Kryzhovnikov

Although Kryzhovnikov has a relatively large filmography, he achieved major popularity in Russia only in recent years.  Most of his earlier work consists of comedies, but in 2023 he released a series that made him famous nationwide.

The Boy’s Word: Blood on the Asphalt (2023)

is a crime drama set in the late Soviet era that centers on youth gangs, violence, and the harsh realities of growing up in a fractured system. The series explores themes of loyalty, masculinity, and survival in a world where the street often dictates its own rules.

⚠️ Content warning: The show contains frequent scenes of violence and blood, which some viewers may find disturbing.

1st episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVSoNEqdXvU 

[2023313174 하르민완]

Honestly, seeing the movie poster itself already made me want to watch the movie. Russian movies are one of the pioneers of film industry, especially documentary movies, so I am very interested to see the progression of Russian made movies.
Thanks for the recommendation!!

[10. 알렉산드라]

Honestly, it seems like Russian series are better than movies these days. The overall quality feels higher, probably because streaming platforms are ready to invest more in their original shows to attract viewers.

[채명군]

Oh,Silver Skates (2020) Looks so interesting, I'll definitely watch it! Thanks for recommondation!

[10. 알렉산드라]

watch Master and Margarita, it's long but it's worth watching

[채명군]

좋아좋아!

[사해요]

thank you for highlighting contemporary Russian directors beyond the classic Soviet canon:) The selection shows a strong range, from Zvyagintsev’s social realism to Lokshin’s visually rich historical romance and Kryzhovnikov’s gritty crime drama. This was a very informative introduction！

[10. 알렉산드라]

you r welcome!