7 Best Movies About Russia That You Should Watching Update 04/2024

Movies About Russia

Russian cinema has a lengthy and distinguished history, spanning the Soviet era through the present day’s arthouse fare. Our list of the best films to watch if you’re planning a vacation to Russia and want to learn more about the country’s culture.

1. Brat

Brat

This 1997 film accurately captures what Russia was like in the early 1990s, when the country was still reeling from the fall of the Soviet Union. Danila Bagrov, the film’s protagonist, undergoes a change from military man to professional murderer in director Aleksei Balabanov’s film.

2. The Barber of Siberia

It’s the year 1885 in Nikita Mikhalkov’s 1998 film. Filmed with a poetic and historically authentic style, The Barber of Siberia tells the tragic love story of a Russian junker in military academy and a foreign femme fatale, which sees the lives of both characters significantly change.

3. Matilda

Matilda

This year’s Alexei Uchitel film, which depicts the love tale of world-famous ballerina Matilda Kseshinskaya and Russia’s last Tsar Nikolay II, aroused much controversy even before its official release. The film, based on historical events, is a visually spectacular blend of superb acting and stunning production design.

4. The Dawns Here Are Quiet

During World War II, this harrowing tale takes place in Russia. Boris Vasiliev’s famous novel serves as the basis for this TV series, which has gained notoriety due to its resemblance to the 1972 film adaptation of the same name. The plot revolves around a small female army unit tasked with preventing the sabotage of a key strategic location.

5. Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia

Boris Khlebnikov’s tragic 2017 film is set in a small Russian town. On the one hand, he wants to save each and every patient, but on the other hand, Oleg’s personal life is in need of saving. This is a love story, but it’s also about finding a good work-life balance.

6. 12

Nikita Mikhalkov’s stunning 2007 retelling of the classic Russian drama 12 Angry Men became an instant hit upon its premiere and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. In the novel, twelve jurors must decide the destiny of an 18-year-old defendant in a case they are assigned to judge. The entire movie is a terrific debate about timeless principles like humanity, freedom, and compassion.

7. Leviathan

Leviathan

Andrey Zvyagintsev’s 2014 Cannes Film Festival Best Screenplay winner, this film examines social issues. As depicted in the film, “Leviathan” is the government’s massive machine, capable of wiping out the average citizen with minimal effort. An examination of government, religion, and individual freedoms.