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Created Feb 19, 2008 08:56PM PST • Edited Feb 19, 2008 09:36PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Really Great 4.5

   This movie should win several awards. When an average girl crosses the Russian maffia, just doing what she believes is right, she could bring trouble down on her entire family. This movie has some spectaular acting, headed up by Viggo Mortenson who does an exceptional job. All around this movie was just about perfect. Though I don’t see it gaining the acclaim of “Scarface” or “The Godfather”, it has found a place in my collection, among what are considered some of the greatest mob movies made. I rented this movie then went out and purchased it the very next day. If you are in the mood for a maffia movie then believe me you will not be disappointed with this.

4. Acting

   Really Great 4.5

   Viggo Mortenson is excellent in this role, the research and time that went into the preperation of this character shows. His performance as a soldier in the Russian mob, is quite possibley his best performance yet. I think he is quickly coming into his own and could be one of the next great actors. Surrounded by a superb cast, who all do a great job, he is definetly in his eliment.

5. Male Stars Really Great 4.5

6. Female Stars Really Great 4.5

7. Female Costars Really Great 4.5

8. Male Costars Really Great 4.5

10. Film

    Really Great 4.5

    All around I give this movie a good rating. The research and planning show through in a very good light. Such as vehicles all fit into the scenes in the movies, the tattoos worn by the mafioso are legit and hold there true meaning, they are not just made up to look pretty for the camera. The costume and make up is phenominal. Set design is just about flawless. Accents and speaking patterns are very well done with a great dialogue.

11. Direction Really Great 4.5

12. Play Really Great 4.5

13. Music Really Great 4.5

14. Visuals Really Great 4.5
15. Content

16. Edge

    Sordid 3.2

    There is a bit of violence in this film (as with any good mafia movie.) The scene that take place in the public bath is fantastic. Although there are some things shown that I could have done with out, kudos to actors for being able to get into their parts. Sex in the movie is mild but it does there along with some nudity. Language is a bit strong but not over the top, and for me, not detracting from the movie.

17. Sex Erotic 3.2

18. Violence Brutal 3.2

19. Rudeness Profane 3.2

21. Reality

    Glib 1.5

    This I see as being very close to reality as in the way the Russian maffia would run in this given circumstance. Though I don’t know what the chances are of the this exact story taking place are (very low). I think situations would probably be handled close to what they show in the film. But that is from the view of an outsider to the mob, some one who just rgew up with the bedtime stories of my grandfathers dealings with them. I like the fact that people are not superheros in this movie, they get cut and they bleed, they get cut a lot and they end up in the hospital or dead.

22. Circumstantial Natural 1.0

23. Biological Surreal 2.4

24. Physical Natural 1.0