KALASHNIKOV (2020) – WHEN AN INVENTION CHANGED WAR AND HUMANITY
🎥 “Kalashnikov” (2020) is a captivating Russian biographical action film, a realistic and emotional portrayal of the life of Mikhail Kalashnikov – the creator of the legendary AK-47 assault rifle. Directed by Konstantin Buslov and released on February 20, 2020 on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the victory in World War II, the film is not only a story about an invention that changed history but also a journey of perseverance, passion and patriotism.
📖 Plot
The film is set between 1941 and 1949, following Mikhail Kalashnikov (played by Yuriy Borisov), a young sergeant in the Soviet Red Army. During World War II, after being seriously injured as a tank driver and witnessing the ineffectiveness of Soviet machine guns, Kalashnikov came up with the idea of a new weapon – more durable, effective and reliable. From his days in the hospital, he began to sketch and develop a prototype of the gun, facing countless difficulties: from the doubts of his superiors, fierce competition with other engineers, to failures in testing.
The journey culminated in 1947, when Kalashnikov’s submachine gun surpassed its rivals in the competition for durability and effectiveness, becoming the AK-47 – an iconic weapon, mass-produced since 1949 and associated with the Soviet army as well as many countries around the world. The film not only tells the story of the creative process but also weaves in the story of Kalashnikov’s love, friendship and deep patriotism.
Main message: The film strongly conveys the perseverance to overcome difficulties, endless creativity and patriotism. It also cleverly mentions family affection and love, helping viewers feel profound human values.
🎬 Highlights
Image and sound: Although not focusing too much on battle scenes, the film still realistically recreates some war scenes with vivid angles. The setting and costumes are carefully invested, bringing a realistic feeling of wartime Russia. The music stands out with familiar melodies such as the song Kachiusa played on the accordion, creating a poignant feeling. However, the film’s color and camera angles are not too groundbreaking, rated 6.5/10 by Ghien Review.
Acting: The Russian cast, although unfamiliar to international audiences, portrays the psychology and emotions of the characters well. The male lead (Yuriy Borisov) and female lead (Olga Lerman) were praised for their chemistry, Juno, although sometimes they failed to push the emotions to the climax. The acting score was 6.5/10.
Historical: The film is based on real events, realistically recreating the journey of inventing the AK-47, from the initial idea in 1941 to its completion in 1947.
Patriotic and creative message: The film depicts the resilient Russian spirit and Kalashnikov’s talent, while also raising questions about the inventor’s responsibility for the impact of his invention.
🔫 Weapons in the Movie
The film uses many types of World War II-era weapons such as the Tokarev TT-33 pistol, Nagant M1895 pistol, PPSh-41 and PPS-43 submachine guns, and Kalashnikov’s PPK and PPK-42 prototypes. These details are recreated in detail, making it appealing to military enthusiasts.
🌟 Review
Advantages: The plot is engaging (7/10), faithfully recreating history and conveying a meaningful message about perseverance and creativity. The film is a great choice for those who love history, military and stories about great people.
Disadvantages: Some viewers commented that the film did not fully portray the atmosphere of war, and the chemistry between the main characters was sometimes not strong enough.
Suitable audience: The film is suitable for those who love biographical, historical, military films or want to learn about the origin of the legendary AK-47.
📺 Where to Watch the Movie?
The film is available on platforms such as Apple TV, Phim Nhua, SSP him, and many online movie streaming websites with Vietnamese subtitles or voiceovers.
💬 General Impression
“Kalashnikov” (2020) is not only a movie about weapons but also an inspiring story about a man who overcame adversity to make history. Although not a masterpiece, the film still offers a unique perspective on one of the most famous inventions of the 20th century, while honoring the Russian spirit and timeless human values.
👉 Watch and feel the story of the man behind the legendary AK-47! Have you seen this movie? Share your feelings! 💬