Last week I watched the movie "Brother" of "Брат" in Russian. The movie was filmed for just $10,000 in mid-1990s Russia, the worst economic times for Russia since the Mongol invasion in the mid-1200s.
The collapse of the Soviet Union left Russia alone with a failed economy. Along with putting tens of millions in poverty, Russia fell apart in many other ways. Russia invaded Chechnya, but the Russian Army was all but abandoned by its failed government. Russian lost the war and veterans came home broke, broken and disillusioned. One of those veterans becomes a Cowboy, a friend and avenger for the poor.
The movie is fun to watch for an old soldier that grew up on cowboy movies. It also has a lot to say about how terrible life in Russia was in the 1990s. Part of the popularity of President Putin and his ability to hold onto power is that the economy got better under Putin--a lot better.
The movie is available in eight parts on Youtube or for $4 from Amazon with subtitles. Enjoy!
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