Wow! Such a good movie.

I wanted to but couldn't!

It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

The plot of this film is the murder of the adjutant General Khrapov. Someone posing as a state Councilor Fandorin is in the sleeping carriages on the train and commits murder, then begins a long but very exciting story. It is worth noting that this film is a screen adaptation of the novel by Boris Akunin, and this is from the movie some points have been removed, although very few of them.What is so special about this film?History. Here believe it or not, but having started to watch this movie, you will spend the next 2 hours completely forgetting about her case. Not for nothing is the filmmakers chose the slogan: "The games are over. Now the real Fandorin in the present case"The action takes place in the late 19th century, even on this young audience more clear. The "simple and clear" language of the narrative. Acting. The cast of this film can be called a bouquet, if you want cream of the time. Brilliant Menshikov fully felt in the role of Fandorin. Nikita Mikhalkov, who agreed to say "meow" in the movie and put a tear in a brilliant climax. Mashkov absolutely confidently played the role of Kozyr'. Of course, Khabenskiy, not afraid to take the hardest of the image of the Green and pass it at the highest level. Depressing that the image of the green revealed only in the uncut version.In addition to these actors, the film scatter most known masters: Tabakov, Efremov, Spivak, Fandera, Bondarchuk, Gorbunov, Mironov and many others.Larger scenes. Especially with pyrotechnics. The scene robberies chariot of the state Treasury, and the scene in Neskuchny garden will certainly remain in Your memory.Music. Do not say, but the music, which was written by Enri Lolashvili beautiful rests on the history and has become a great component of this film. It's heavy, which transmits the gravity of the situation, but yet very beautiful.The good news is that the film was a place for humor. It a bit, but he was very good.In conclusion, I will say that for 10 years, this film is not in any doubt about the assessment.10 out of 10

Befoure I watched the film I was a little disappointed by the reviews. Because such a great cast I expected everyone to sing psalms of the film.Fortunatly the critics in my opinion were mostly wrong. Although Fandorin is shockingly cold the first time we see him, he becomes believable as the film progresses. Mashkov who played Kozyr' is simply amazing. His whole over the top-act, the slang is just so fun to watch. Khabenski does well, and Fandera, who plays Igla is wonderful, very believable. Emiliya Spivak is somewhat irritating, but is what she should have been according to the book. Though of course it is Nikita Mikhalkov who steals the show. A lot can be said about his intrigues at the Russian Film Guild, but he is without a doubt a great actor fit for specific roles. He is at his best when he plays a "Barin", as in "Bespridannica".The action is quick, brutal and not flashy, even the sound of gunfire seems somewhat muffled. There isn't an awful lot of action since it is a Crime movie, not an action film. For some reason they didn't really pay attention to Masa, because he was far too young, and not round enough (according to the book he was "short and round like a barrel"). Green's character was somewhat downsized in the film too, with little background, like the facts that he was Jewish and his whole routine, so I felt that was missed out, because while Igla's motivation is present Green's is none existent. However unless you have read the book you wouldn't notice such nuances, and even if you have not you would not dwell on them.The cinematography is very good, the way light and shadows are used makes some shots worthy of being posters, or photos.So overall I would say that this movie was excellent despite some very minor imperfections.

The main expectations from this movie for me was the image of Fandorin. I must admit that this Fandorin might be quite acceptable for everyone who read Akunin's books about him. Of course, everyone has it's own Fandorin in their mind, but Menshikov did his job pretty well and might be called as "Fandorin for everyone", so - no complains! No complains for all actors(Mikhalkov - bravo) and Yankovsky! For those who read this book, must be satisfied with the movie, because it's close enough to the book and XIX century Russia is also shown quite real. Dark side of the movie - Masa. It looks like it was some kind of amateur actor. Akunin's Masa is much more colorful and, how to say... interesting! Esfir Litvinova, Fandorin's chick, was (IMHO) too modern.

I've read the book "Statskiy sovetnik" before. When i heard the news that a movie is being made on that novel, i was wondering why THAT novel. I was curious how the director would manage to make a dynamic movie on a rather specific and long story. Especially knowing that the director is rather young and some sort of a beginner in making such "BIG" movies. But Filipp Yankovsky had really made it! By the way he is a son of a very famous Russian theater\movie actor - Oleg Yankovsky. Great dialogues and closeups. Famous Russian director - Nikita Mikhalkov, shows GREAT acting skills, playing Prince Pozharsky, sometimes even drawing most of attention from the main character - Fandorin. All characters surely showed their best in this great dynamic movie. Those who are interested in Russian history will certainly gain a lot of experience, because Akunin pays very much attention to all historical details. Great movie!