A tank of the Russian army is ambushed by a troop of peasants-rebels. Two soldiers survive to the massacre. "Prisoner of the Caucasus" tells the story of these two men in reprieve. Prisoners for a few days, they appropriate these moments stolen from death, this vague space of life, in which they are rid from any waiting and face to themselves.
Shot in 1996, the story foretells - as a premonition - the future conflict between Russia and Chechnya.
Bodrov bases his film on two extreme propositions. War, accomplished in a short prologue, is defined as an aberration, a hygienic march for young and unaware recruits. It is a painting of all the colors ritual and absurd. As a counterpoint, the individuals succeed in going beyond the chains of patriotism or cynicism, by saving their tenderness and their humanity.
Within this dialectics a little set, Bodrov makes reflect life thanks to a photography raw and carnal, some shots of mountains restrained and magnificent at the same time, there are not many dialogues but they are always very appropriated to the situation. By snatches he builds the relationship between the young soldier, a little naive, and the wily chief (Oleg Menshikov, with magnificent humour).
Around them moves Dina, a lonely girl with poignant glances, and Hassan, the guard who has the tongue cut. But death is their most faithful companion. Dina, torn between her duties as a girl from the village and her affection for the young Russian soldier, promises to him to put his body in the earth, instead of letting him as a fodder for dogs.
Maybe you have to consider this Bodrov's film, as an ancient tragedy!
Submitted by Juliet Regibot