hopmah Reviews

Flashpoint (2020– )

A masterpiece of the genre

[9/10 · 6 May 2022]

One of the best shows of its genre, this production is a masterpiece depicting how the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Most of the acting is excellent, and the main characters are well-developed, each episode (24) proving entertaining and generally gripping. Much graphic violence is represented, therefore not appropriate for everyone. But for those into realistic situations and lots of action, this is one to watch!

Vtoroy uboynyy 2 (2013– )

A decent Russian cop series

[7/10 · 3 April 2022]

The episodes follow a group of homicide detectives in a Moscow precinct, with all crimes (so far) resolved by two instalments each (first & second parts). The acting is generally good, and so are the story lines. If the soundtrack/score is overlooked (truly dreadful!), entertainment is virtually guaranteed.

Sherlock Holmes (2013)

Excellent production

[9/10 · 10 December 2021]

In my opinion, one of the best miniseries on the subject, and certainly an excellent Russian production. The staging and scenery is top-notch, and manage to transform one to the late Victorian era. Am looking forward to a repeat watching!

Spies (2013)

One of the better Russian productions

[8/10 · 10 April 2021]

I was generally pleased and impressed with this series. Many Russian productions depict events (fictional or real) transpiring during WWII, and this was definitely one of the more original, "twistier" and entertaining of them all. I especially highly recommend it to all the other "hopeless romantics" out there!

Wataha (2014– )

A different view

[9/10 · 1 February 2021]

This production has proven enlightening, depicting the problems of border control between Poland and the Ukraine, along with many historical underlying differences between both nations, present prejudices, etc. It is a delight, as well as absolutely frightening. And best of all, it is very fast-paced, so no boring moments!

Troublesome Neighbourhood (2014– )

Coffee or vodka?

[2/10 · 24 November 2020]

This series would rate a negative score, if not for the lead performance of Svetlana Antonova, who for the most part took her role seriously (in fairness some of the male leads as well). But each episode proved predictable; and sadly, as though the director started with coffee in the morning, but ended each filming session on vodka. Particularly dreadful were any fighting/combat scenes, accompanied by a horrific soundtrack. Save your time and energy for worthy police dramas, including other Russian alternatives!

Ekaterina (2014–2023)

Slava Rossiya!

[10/10 · 7 November 2020]

This is a masterpiece of television: scenery, costumes, plot, drama. Perhaps not 100% historically accurate, but beautiful and very entertaining. Season 1 is very fast-paced, with the producers seemingly unaware it would be renewed. Season 2 starts off at a much slower pace, but once it "moves", it draws the viewer in as never before.

Note that my 10-star rating is for the above. Season 3 is altogether different ... I was unable to continue after the first ten minutes, as in my opinion it just did not "work".

Shtrafbat (2004)

The reality of war

[8/10 · 23 October 2020]

Life in the Soviet Union's penal battalions was horrific, and this series does a wonderful job of portraying the ugly reality for many persons who perished during the second world war. It is not for the faint-hearted, and certainly extremely realistic when it comes to the ugliness of patriarchal society, and the vision men had (have) of women, many times as mere sex-objects. Certainly the series explores the basal level of the ugliness of human nature, which makes it that much more believable. Its only detriment, is a cheap politicised usage of religion, especially for Russian nationalistic purposes (otherwise it would have merited a "9 star" rating). Overlook it, and the production is truly a masterpiece of war drama.

Brother (1997)

Gritty realism of a transitioning Russia

[9/10 · 24 September 2020]

This film is a "must see" for all of those who lived the era, when the law and order of the Soviet Union gave way to the chaos of the newly-transitioning Russia: It is an exact depiction of what life was, from the violence of the criminals, to the interior nobility of those who refused to "play the game". And fortunately without excess gratuitous violence or sex, at least compared to modern productions. Certainly I highly recommend it, especially to all present generations of Russophiles, as well as persons interested in history in general!

Delo gastronoma No. 1 (2011– )

Eight part television miniseries perfect for lovers of Soviet 80s nostalgia

[7/10 · 4 September 2020]

This miniseries depicts the dealings of Moscow's main food hall during the Soviet era, and most especially the corruption in all transactions with officials during the last days of Leonid Brezhnev, and the first of Yuri Andropov. In that respect it is very realistic (including the outrageous displays of wealth, not at all in accordance with official Soviet "humility"), and so too are the many flashback scenes with then-footage.

Open Window (2018)

Only for those under 30....

[3/10 · 26 February 2020]

The premise consists of the typical failure of communication, fears of unfaithfulness in the marriage, phobias.... Not terribly original, and the actors will likely get further on their looks, than any real talent. I would recommend this only for persons under the age of 30; those older will likely become bored after the first episode.

Ancestral Land (2017)

an absolutely fantastic saga

[10/10 · 22 February 2020]

This series is gripping from beginning to end (despite a lengthy 16 instalments!). Most of the acting is fantastic, especially from the more veteran actors (who make up for some of the bad child acting, which of course is excusable given the age). Do not think I have ever cried as much, as watching this. Anyone with an inkling of empathy, will not remain unmoved after seeing this incredible production.

Attackers. The Last Fight. (2015)

Even better than its forerunner, "Attackers"...

[9/10 · 14 February 2020]

This series is a continuation of "Attackers", offering more of the same "fluff"... but oh what WONDERFUL fluff it is: an emotional roller-coaster ride! Overlook the visual effects and some of the bad acting, and simply sit down and enjoy a magnificent time, as entertainment is virtually guaranteed.

Istrebiteli (2013)

An emotional take on the Russian Great Patriotic War

[8/10 · 14 February 2020]

This miniseries does not offer great acting or visual effects. But let the imagination run wild, and immerse yourself in the "world" it offers: it soon becomes an emotional roller-coaster ride into the unknown, whether it be love or loss. Be assured of moments of sorrow and tears, and moments of joy and laughter as well.

To Live! (2010)

A haunting premise

[8/10 · 14 February 2020]

This film still haunts after a fortnight, its premise being that one will do anything to live. Obviously this production was filmed on a budget; were it remade, it could easily become a blockbuster success and Oscar winner. I highly recommend investing the time to watch this to the very end, especially as it is not a lengthy film.

Cold Shores (2019–2022)

A Russian version of Scandinavian-style murder/intrigue

[8/10 · 1 February 2020]

I found this eight-part series gripping from start to finish. The acting is fantastic, the staging/scenery gorgeous, and the plot definitely intriguing. The only letdown is that it is somewhat predictable, but that should not deter the viewer from persevering to the last exciting moment. I hope the producer continues with such good work!

Under Correction (2017)

Good beginning, then quickly downhill

[4/10 · 26 January 2020]

The production features well-known and talented young actors. But while the script started off plausibly enough, the story line soon becomes too convoluted and disjointed, begging belief. Should have ended after the eighth episode, but somehow the producer decided on four more, each worse than the other. Oddly enough, given the finale, a sequel can apparently be expected....