Red Mob

Red Mob (Chtoby Vyzhit) (1993)

Runtime: I saw the version that's 111 minutes long

Directed by: Vsevolod Plotkin

Starring: Vladimir Menshov, Aleksandr Rozenbaum, Sergey Veksler, Dmitri Volkov, Andrey Shchehbovich-Vecher

From: Several different companies

In terms of Russian movies, this definitely ain't no Tarkovsky: 

This Russian film I first found out about from a guy I know on a messageboard; he raved about the limited edition release from Vinegar Syndrome. I went to the site and it was already sold out; it wasn't until earlier this year that the regular edition came out. As an early 90's Russian film that was just like an 80's action piece, I was greatly intrigued. Note that I saw the Russian version and not the English dubbed version... the default on the Blu was the dubbed version and the original is in the special features.

To copy and paste what is on their website about this film (which is also on the back of the Blu): "Russia. 1992. The Soviet Union has fallen but there remains an unholy alliance between the mob and the KGB. Oleg, an Afghan war veteran, is running a survivalist summer camp when his son is taken hostage as retribution for his friend’s refusal to lead a drug and gun smuggling caravan. With no other options to save his son, Oleg agrees to lead the caravan himself and is soon pitted against a siege of violence as he attempts to carry out his orders and live to see his son again."

Note that the hero is an overly tanned muscular middle aged man who people would know best as Geser from both Night Watch and Day Watch. Also, lip service is paid to how Russia is now experiencing a capitalist economy again.

The plot was not always coherent yet when it's filled with explosions and other pyrotechnics, gunfire, car chases, and the death of many sons of bitches, I imagine many in its target audience won't care. That target audience is: those that love cheesy 80's action. I imagine you'll probably enjoy this, even if the plot only echoes Commando as the leads are no Arnold and the villain is not a closeted homosexual that loves wearing leather in Vernon Wells' Bennett. The son character is like 13 and unfortunately, he's an annoying little pissant. He does get yelled at-and more-so at least there's that.

The story and what I said about it will likely have convinced you already whether this is of any interest to you or not.