In a nutshell: "A fantasy-thriller set in present-day Moscow where the respective forces that control daytime and nighttime do battle." 3 reasons to watch this film:
i) This Russian film (and yes, it's in Russian too) was reportedly made for (only) US$5 million but was a box-office hit when it was released in its home country in 2004. It's also Russia's submission to the 2005 Oscars, though it remains to be seen whether it will make it as a Best Foreign Film nominee. Adapted from a Russian novel by Sergei Lukyanenko for the silver screen, Nightwatch has even been slated to be the first instalment of a trilogy. With such credits and expectations behind it, this film couldn't be that bad, rite?
ii) The storyline, visuals and cinematography are like a cross between The Matrix series and Len Wiseman's The Underworld, minus the Hollywood gloss. Those with a penchant for goth-inspired movies would find that Nightwatch is right up their alley. Having said that, this is an ambitious film (even a tad pretentious) with alot of borrowed themes but it works well enough to be an interesting ride from start to finish.
iii) The pacing of the story is pretty much of a whirlwind and its all over much sooner than expected. You will leave the cinema wondering what the director has in store in the upcoming sequel.
3 reasons NOT to watch this film:
i) No eye-candy, dishy hunks, droolsome babes to look out for. The film's protagonist is some pudgy forty-year old geezer who looks like he's going to keel over from a heart-attack anytime soon.
ii) The film's trailer showcases some nifty scenes that utilizes breath-taking CGI-effects reminiscent of the Matrix, but in reality, CGI-effects are used very sparingly in the film. A good ninety-nine percent of the film is also spent in darkness/semi-darkness probably so that the overall budget-conscious sets isn't too obvious.
iii) If you hate reading subtitles and can't stand cliffhangers, then this film is not for you.
my ratings ---- 3.6/5 stars!!!
