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A deeply depressing story of a young Russian girl whose short life is thrown into chaos when her mother abandons her. She hopes desperately to be taken away from her plight by a "knight in shinning armor" but her faith is misplaced when he literally tricks her. A tough story of survival among the hopelessly poor people of Russia, who are not so different from us.
Excellent film in so many ways. It tells a simple tale of one Russian girl's woes, and in so doing, we see far larger social issues: the mistreatment of minors by adults, and the way women are mistreated by many men. Before this sounds like some women's issue film, keep in mind that it was written and directed by a Swedish male, Lukas Moodysson. And the acting by Oksana Akinshina is beyond belief, it is so real! (She was only 15 when this film was made.) This tragic tale could be a total downer, if it weren't for Oksana's radiant smile, and the unexpected but refreshing spiritual element of the film. And what about the kid who played Lilya's only true friend, Volodya? He was absolutely fantastic. This is a must-see if you liked "Maria Full of Grace", as it tackles some of the same themes, but with a much starker, grimmer overall look. After all, it is primarily set in Russia, "once upon a time the Soviet Union". How anyone could live Lilya's life, is beyond me. See this, be captivated, and be prepared to cry.
For the most part,I speak russian, but this movie was a very sad movie, even for me. I know Russia and I just read in a newspaper about the tricks that the guy did to lilya and the actors in the movie were great in the portrayal of the characters. Although this movie should not be watched by children under 16,but I recommend that young ladies watch this movie to avoid these kinds of traps, even in America.
This movie haunted my wife, who is from Russia. Nightmares and all. Mostly because it is so true to life. Since the fall of the USSR, some people became rich, and far more became dirt poor and put out of sight. My wife and her best girlfriend managed to get out of Russia in good form,,,, and both dread going back for visits because it is just too heart wrenching to bear. This movie is dark, depressing, and just too true to life for a great many. The honesty rates 5 stars.
This is a difficult movie to watch. My wife left the room during a montage scene late in the movie. The important thing, however, is that she came back and wanted to finish it. Being Russian, she felt like she knew this girl. This movie is heartbreaking. I won't rehash the plot. I'd just like to give unabashed praise to these 2 young actors who carry the entire film. Artyom Bogucharsky plays the young boy. He is simply outstanding. You can't help but love him. In a performance worthy of an Oscar nomination (and in some years win it), Oksana Akinshina is astounding. At 15, she had complete range of someone twice her age. Watch the extended scene with her mother leaving. It's flawless. My wife tells me that everything about this movie is true: The young girls that take the train into the big city, turning to prostitution because nothing else is available. The charming "recruiters" that sucker these girls into the sex slavery business. If this movie doesn't make you demand that something be done, you have a colder heart than I.....
Being a former Child in the Russian sex trade, you do not get a more active portrayl than thes movie. I hope it makes you hug your children. And understand according to the United Nations, its the biggest organized crime money maker..this movie shows the grim truth behind what girls go through in Russia and why many die trying to leave.