Films about the Russian mafia typically delve into the world of organized crime groups originating from Russia and the former Soviet Union, often referred to as the “Bratva.” These films typically explore themes of power, loyalty, corruption, and violence, often set against a backdrop of geopolitical intrigue, the criminal underworld, and the complexities of post-Soviet society.
“Brother”, 2000
Director: Takeshi Kitano
A Russian crime film directed by Aleksei Balabanov, featuring Sergey Bodrov Jr. as an ex-soldier named Danila who goes to St. Petersburg and gets embroiled with the local mob scene. The film has gained cult status in Russia and was followed by a sequel, “Brother 2.”
Starring: Takeshi Kitano, Omar Epps, Kurodo Maki, Masaya Kato, Susumu Terajima, Royale Watkins, Lombardo Boyar, Ren Osugi, Ryo Ishibashi, James Shigeta;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama, crime, thriller;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Brother” on the website imdb.com
“We Own the Night”, 2007
Director: James Gray
Directed by James Gray and starring Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Wahlberg, and Eva Mendes, this crime drama is set in 1988 and revolves around a New York nightclub manager who tries to save his brother and father from Russian mafia hitmen.
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Wahlberg, Eva Mendes, Robert Duvall, Danny Hoch, Alex Veadov, Dominic Colón, Joseph D'Onofrio;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: action, thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “We Own the Night” on the website imdb.com
“Russian Dolls”, 2011
Director: Jerry Carita, Keshia Coe
This French-British-Russian drama film directed by Cédric Klapisch is not centered on the Russian mafia but includes it as part of the storyline, depicting the illegal activities of Russian gangsters in London.
Starring: Eduard Zaytsev, Eva Levitis, Diana Kosov, Peter Defeo;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: unknown genre;
Rating: IMDB: 3,9;
“Little Odessa”, 1994
Director: James Gray
The film is written and directed by James Gray, based in the Brighton Beach neighborhood of Brooklyn. Tim Roth plays a hitman who returns to his old neighborhood and gets drawn back into the local Russian organized crime scene.
Starring: Tim Roth, Edward Furlong, Moira Kelly, Vanessa Redgrave, Paul Guilfoyle, Maximilian Schell, David Vadim, Mina Bern, Boris McGiver;
Production year: 1994;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Little Odessa” on the website imdb.com
“Mobsters”, 1991
Director: Michael Karbelnikoff
While this crime drama directed by Michael Karbelnikoff primarily follows the rise of American mobsters like Lucky Luciano, it does feature a sub-plot involving a battle against a Russian gangster, Maxie Fields.
Starring: Christian Slater, Rodney Eastman, Costas Mandylor, Richard Grieco, Jeremy Schoenberg, Miles Perlich, Alan Charof, Patrick Dempsey, Anto Nolan, Andy Romano;
Production year: 1991;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 104 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,9;
More information about the film “Mobsters” on the website imdb.com
“The Equalizer”, 2014
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Denzel Washington as a former black ops commando who faked his death for a quiet life in Boston. He comes out of retirement to rescue a young girl and faces off against Russian gangsters.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz, David Harbour, Haley Bennett, Bill Pullman, Melissa Leo, David Meunier, Johnny Skourtis, Alex Veadov;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: action, thriller, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 132 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
“John Wick”, 2014
Director: Chad Stahelski, David Leitch
Directed by Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, this action film stars Keanu Reeves as a retired hitman who goes on a relentless rampage after the son of a Russian mob boss steals his car and kills his dog, which was the last gift from his deceased wife.
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen, Willem Dafoe, Dean Winters, Adrianne Palicki, Omer Barnea, Toby Leonard Moore, Daniel Bernhardt, Bridget Moynahan;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: action, thriller, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “John Wick” on the website imdb.com
These films provide a range of narratives from purely criminal undertakings to complex character studies, all within the context of the Russian mafia's influence and operations.
In sum, films about the Russian mafia have carved a unique and evocative niche within the cinematic landscape, offering audiences a gritty and often disturbing look into the world of organized crime that is both foreign and familiar. These films, ranging from hard-hitting dramas to action-packed thrillers, have not only entertained but also provided critical insights into the complex socio-political factors that give rise to and sustain such criminal organizations. They portray the ruthless ambition, the coded honor, and the volatile dynamics of loyalty and betrayal that define the Russian mafia, all while navigating the thin line between myth and reality. Through their vivid storytelling, captivating performances, and stylish aesthetics, these films continue to fascinate and unsettle, leaving an indelible mark on the collective imagination and contributing to a deeper, albeit sometimes sensationalized, understanding of the dark underbelly of post-Soviet society.
