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Russian cinema is often an area of film that's heavily overlooked, which comes as no surprise given the country's rather tight stature on political events and the world of filmmaking's constant want for social commentary. For most, Russian cinema is Tarkovsky, though in my opinion a rather boring, overrated director to sit at the throne of the country's top filmmakers. As the years go on, more and more filmmakers are trying to do new things, which is evident in the country's smaller, independent area of film that does attempt social commentary and tackle complex themes, albeit rather loosely to avoid complications with the government. 

Recently, with all that's going on, a particular Russian film I saw a while ago, but never bothered to review here on Hive, came to mind: Brother. I had known of the film for years prior to watching it, but this was before I had much interest in international cinema, I simply ignored it for no real reason, and I certainly regret it. Brother is a late 90's film, one that does touch upon the country's issues, while attempting to shine a light on its people despite the depressing, often nightmarish tones and themes it offers. Though, what's interesting is that it reflects the period's time of post Soviet life, where its people and economy felt lost, void of leadership, and struggling; it appears that this is happening again.

My heart goes out to the people of Ukraine who are now suffering at the hands of pure evil, but my heart also feels the pain and suffering of the citizens of Russia that are too victims of a different kind. Citizens of the world deserve better, and Brother is a film that speaks of one person that lives by true altruism in a society that is depraved, and ignorant.

<center>**Brother**</center>

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Brother is a film of constant movement, one that takes many different themes and uses them to push both social commentary and a narrative for its main character. A young male, Danila Bagrov, returns home from military service, where his mother displays her want for him to join his older brother in St. Petersburg. He accepts, with not much else to do and not much of a direction in life now that his military service has ended. Upon arrival, it's evident that his older brother has taken a harsh live of crime, surrounded by hitmen, as well as the city itself being a near wasteland due to economic collapse and drug abuse, with the few signs of western influence in restaurants and retail stores starting to be found.

As he arrives in the city and spends more time with his brother, he notices that the city is corrupt. It's depraved, lost, and it's often mentioned that the city will take you in, chew you up, and spit you back out. Though Danila is young, he's stubborn, and certainly not meant for this society. He's a fragile youth just stumbling along through life attempting to find his way, often displaying a large interest in music, frequently attempting to find a CD that's always sold out everywhere he looks for a specific band he likes. 

Danila's character is what perfects the story: the young, the lost, and the innocent that are victims of society. We see as the film progresses that he constantly attempts to do good: he sticks up for the weak, he constantly gives what he has to others to help them, but the society is evident in its selfishness. People forever are willing to take from him, and nobody ever gives in return. Danila becomes somewhat of an idol, the person we all should strive to be: to give and support others without the intention of receiving anything in return. Though that isn't to say that he also performs violent and harsh acts throughout the film, but these moments are often seen as an act from a vigilante, one that aims to remove the evil that is resulting in the suffering of the city's people. 

The film holds many aspects of depression, even the environments are ridden with decay and its people look roughed-up and lost. But our protagonist serves as a ray of sunshine that appears in the city to display a life that others should follow; the film effectively says that fate of the Russian people belongs in the hands of Russian people, and that even in the face of corruption and decay they can strive to be good people. To live lives that are void of control if they simply stand up and fight for what's right.

<center>**Influence of culture**</center>

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Brother takes a lot of influence from western culture, given the time period, where Russia's Soviet Union had not long collapsed and western business was starting to enter the country. There's a lot of influence in music as well, though this music is Russian and speaks of the country's intent to be Russian and find its own place in the world. Given that time period, it was one of optimism where the country and its people could finally start to find its feet. Sadly, with recent times, all has been lost again. 

This use of music also speaks of the innocence and humanity of our main protagonist, which serves as a counter to the often violent acts he conducts. Though there's also reflection of escapism in music too, where he is always using headphones to drown out the noise of his surroundings as he roams throughout the city and engages with different people. We see how music serves as this escapism for others as well, using sound and stories to take their minds elsewhere, one where the reality of the country is void.

Outside of its use in society, the music is frequently taken advantage of through use of non-diegetic and diegetic sound. It's really effective the way music is used to connect scenes and pace events; even our protagonist strolling through dirty streets holds some meaning, and it adds to the cinematography. Of which I must also add: it's entirely shot on 35mm film, which looks beautiful. The use of film just adds to the gritty and dark tones of the environment, the grain contributes to the dirty style of black snow and walls with peeling wallpaper; their floors being splintered wood.

I can make similarities to the Danish film series Pusher, which features many similar concepts but without such societal commentary and influence.

<center>**Hope**</center>

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Brother is about hope. About altruism in the face of lost people, a sign that people can change and become better. But such actions must be at the hands and minds of those people, for change can only take place if you're willing to act yourself. Though it's worth noting that the film certainly would not have the same effect if it had different casting; its narrative and characters are perfected, particularly in our protagonist, who holds the innocent and youthful look alongside the optimism. He's the face of the youth in changing times, and one that refuses to back down upon those who aim to destroy and oppress him.

For its filmmaking, its themes, and its casting with their perfect performances, Brother is one of my favourite films, and one of the few Russian films that is both good, and holds significant meaning to it.