“Durak” (meaning “The Fool” in English) is a Russian crime drama film directed by Yury Bykov. The story takes place in a small Russian town, where an honest and naive plumber named Dima Nikitin (Artyom Bystrov) discovers a major safety hazard in an apartment building. As he tries to report the issue to the authorities, he realizes that the entire system, including the local government and the corrupt officials, is unwilling to address the problem. Dima becomes determined to fix the situation, risking his own safety and reputation in the process.
Review:
“Durak” received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and compelling performances. The film delves into themes of corruption, morality, and social responsibility. Yury Bykov’s direction and Artyom Bystrov‘s portrayal of Dima Nikitin were particularly praised for their authenticity and emotional depth. The film’s social commentary and thought-provoking narrative resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Plot:
Dima Nikitin, a plumber in a small Russian town, discovers a critical structural problem in an apartment building that puts the lives of its residents at risk. Concerned for their safety, Dima tries to report the issue to the authorities, but he quickly realizes that corruption and indifference have infiltrated the system. The local officials, including the mayor and city council members, refuse to take any action, ignoring the imminent danger.
Driven by his sense of duty and justice, Dima embarks on a personal mission to protect the residents and fix the building himself. However, he faces numerous obstacles along the way, including threats from those involved in the corruption and the apathy of the townspeople who have accepted the status quo.
As Dima’s efforts intensify, he becomes increasingly isolated and targeted by powerful forces who want to silence him. Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against him, Dima’s determination to expose the truth and fight for justice remains steadfast.
Awards:
“Durak” received critical acclaim and garnered several awards and nominations. At the 2014 Venice Film Festival, the film won the Special Orizzonti Prize for Best Director. It also received multiple accolades at various international film festivals, including the Golden Eagle Award for Best Film in Russia.
Popularity:
“Durak” gained popularity within the international film community, particularly for its compelling narrative and strong performances. While it may not have achieved mainstream recognition, the film found critical acclaim and a dedicated audience interested in thought-provoking dramas that address societal issues. “Durak” continues to be appreciated for its social commentary and its exploration of the individual’s fight against a corrupt system.
| Directed by | Yuri Bykov |
|---|---|
| Written by | Yuri Bykov |
| Produced by | Alexey Uchitel Kira Saksaganskaya |
| Starring | Artyom Bystrov Boris Nevzorov Natalya Surkova Kirill Polukhin Yuri Tsurilo Darya Moroz Irina Nizina Alexander Korshunov Maxim Pinsker Sergei Artsibashev Olga Samoshina Yelena Panova Ilya Isaev Dmitry Kulitchkov Pyotr Baranchee |
| Cinematography | Kirill Klepalov |
| Edited by | Yuri Bykov |
| Music by | Yuri Bykov |
| Distributed by | Rock Studios Bazelevs Premium Film |
|
Release dates
|
|
|
Running time
|
116 minutes |
| Country | Russia |