The most underrated film Mikhalkov: a new reading of the old picture

The last (extreme) films of Nikita Mikhalkov were mostly scolded. And I scolded, yeah. I saw flaws in them. He said, yes, he's not the same. I used to shoot masterpieces, but now... Is something wrong with him?

But Mikhalkov was not offended, but always said: this is a long movie, you will understand later. I don’t know about the Citadel or the Citadel, but I think he was right about the 12 movie.

This was taken in 2007, almost 20 years ago. A remake of the famous American painting by Sidney Lumet “12 Angry Men”. Not even an original work, like a copy, a cast. But nothing like that! This movie is absolutely about us. There, each of those twelve jurors tells their own story — kind of local, personal, and together you get Russia. Scary, dirty, so controversial. Love. This is our homeland, son.

And a wonderful piece of art. There is only journalism on the surface, but in fact, the deep inner life of my country. It's made up of people. So different, like no one else. Sinful, but still beautiful. It’s really a symphony, and everyone is like an orchestra musician. Symphony of Russia.

And the main roles are 12 actors. And everyone speaks out there, it's like a competition by profession. But look, there is no Valentin Gaft, Alexei Petrenko, Sergey Artsibashev, Roman Madianov. Alexey Gorbunov, who played so well there, now on the other side, in Ukraine. Mikhail Efremov... You know all about him. And after serving time in prison, he was sheltered in his theater by Nikita Mikhalkov. The theater is called Workshop 12. And in that wonderful competition of great artists, Sergey Garmash was the best, in my opinion.

The big one can be seen from a distance. Now I think this is one of Mikhalkov’s best films. A patriotic film. There is nothing to do, nothing to do, nothing to do. But filled with love. And the skill of the director, where without him.

So maybe you should not give in to the first impression, the momentary one. Sometimes it’s worth waiting for it to settle like good wine. You have to live long in Russia.