Gromozeka (2011)

Directed by: Vladimir Kott | 104 minutes | drama | Actors: Nikolay Dobrynin, Boris Kamorzin, Leonid Gromov, Yevgeniya Dobrovolskaya, Polina Filonenko, Darya Semyonova

‘Gromozeka’, the second film by acclaimed director Vladimir Kott, describes the loose stories of three men in their late forties. All three are completely stuck in their personal lives. The first, a policeman, has a son who disrespects him and appears to have criminal ties. The second, a surgeon, struggles with his extramarital affair and wonders whether he should choose his wife or his affair. And the last, a taxi driver, notices that his daughter leads a secret life.

The stories do not interfere with each other and apparently the men have no direct relationship with each other. The only connection is the fact that they played together in a band (Gromozeka) when they were young. The film, named after this band, opens with a scene in which we see the three old friends exuberantly singing along to a real Russian sing-along. The mood in that scene is actually the great contrast in the film, because we don’t see much of that euphoria in the rest of the story. In fact, the men’s stories are about a search for their passion and childhood ideals. Gromozeka, the band from their school days, seems to symbolize those lost years.

Although the lives of the three men are very sad, ‘Gromozeka’ is also a very funny film. The main characters try to get a grip on their situation in their own way and their clumsy actions are sometimes really hilarious. That black situation humor. There are quite a few surprising twists and turns in the film and it would be a shame to reveal too much. In any case, know that halfway through the film you are watching with a smile.

By the way, the background for ‘Gromozeka’ is very well chosen. The men all work and live in gray Moscow and there really isn’t a shot of a home decor or street corner that can’t be labeled as ugly. In addition, modern Russia is confronted with major socio-political problems (crime, hardening of society, etcetera). It gives the film an extra social charge, which you would not immediately look for in advance.

‘Gromozeka’ is the second film by director Vladimir Kott, whose 2008 debut ‘Mukha’ (‘The Fly’) already garnered much admiration from film critics. And this movie should also be there. ‘Gromozeka’ is a very nice film and has a very playful character due to the many surprises. The viewer is in for a nice movie night!