Action movie, war drama, adventure. One of the most beloved patriotic TV series from the childhood of the author of this review, who knows it by heart, because he watched it countless times, and the emotional component captured him every time, although he knew perfectly well how and how it would all end, and this review was a good excuse to review it again. It is even surprising that at one time the author of this review did not buy a DVD with this series (although he often visited it and sold well in the Soyuz store chain). And here is a brief opinion - A high-quality Russian military-patriotic series. There were both advantages (which served the series well) and disadvantages (they are insignificant, but they are definitely worth mentioning). And this should end the introduction and move on to the interesting.
So, the pros:
1. The script - series tells about the life and service of two friends Egor Osorgin ("Stavr") and Alexander Gaydamak ("Shuraken") - officers of the First Main Directorate of the KGB of the USSR (and later the GRU of the Russian Federation), performing various secret operations in the country and abroad at the turn of the Soviet era (the second half of the eighties and the first half of the nineties). They come from different strata of the population (Egor is the son of a famous general, Alexander is a simple village guy), but both want to serve their country in intelligence. On their way, they will meet a beautiful girl Zhenya, who will become a stumbling block for friends. They will have to resolve this issue, but they will not be able to do without each other in the service. Afghanistan, Africa, the Motherland will need them everywhere. Their service will not be easy, there will be betrayals, intrigues, victories and defeats. But their commander, Colonel Marchenko ("Commander"), will stand up for his guys. In the series, we will see not only the bright heroes of the first plan, but also the second, and even the third. There were many famous actors who starred here, who played their roles perfectly. The finale is symbolic and makes the audience happy for the characters. At the same time, the script is full of drama, tragedy, humor, irony and much more, so all eight episodes fly by literally in one breath.
2. The epoch - the creators (as far as they could, of course) recreated that time and were able to immerse the viewer in it. Perestroika, the State Emergency Committee, the victory of the "democrats", the collapse of the USSR, the impoverishment of the population, the crisis in almost all spheres of life, which directly affected the army and intelligence. Only yesterday, a powerful country stood behind you, which was feared by another strong country along with its satellites, and today this country is no longer there, and what will happen next is unknown. Cars, furniture, furnishings, clothes, uniforms - everything reminds of the late USSR and the new "democratic" Russia.
3. Music - composer Alexey Shchelygin did a good job, because the music for the series turned out to be very good. The main theme, Oleg Gazmanov's songs and other compositions perfectly emphasize the mood of the series and its most important moments. It is impossible to forget this music in any way. These compositions are in my music forever.
4. An example to follow - the characters that this series shows us (in most cases) are honest and modest people, real patriots of Russia, who are ready to defend it to the last drop of blood and cover their friend from an enemy bullet. Yes, sometimes they can stuff their faces, yes, they can quarrel and be offended, but in the hour of danger they forget about it and go to complete the task. They are different, but each is good in its own way. They are the real heroes.
So, the cons:
1. Budget - the picture is very sinful. There are even more dashing operations and combat battles missing. The special effects, even for a television series, are very modest (and in some places even funny, mostly it concerns explosions). It seems that the creators managed to invite a lot of good actors, but they didn't allocate a bigger budget?
2. Mistakes and absurdities - there are many of them. I will give only two examples - the Soviet car says "USA Military Police", and the line with Comandante Mabuto in Africa. It's fun, of course, but some moments just ruin the whole atmosphere.
3. Smoothing out the sharp corners - this concerns the collapse of the USSR and the creation of a "democratic" Russia. The creators, through the characters, criticize the policies of Gorbachev and the GKChP, but at the same time do not pay attention at all to the "democrats" led by Yeltsin and his gang of thieves. They are generally silent about them. It's clear why, because the series was broadcast on Channel One - and you can't say bad things about Yeltsin on it.
A little bit about the main characters:
1. Captain Osorgin, performed by Alexei Makarov, is the son of the honored General Osorgin (which greatly influenced his life), a merry fellow, a rake, a joker, who, nevertheless, turned out to be an excellent scout and a real hero who cheerfully performs combat missions of any complexity. His catch phrases are something! This is the best role of Alexey Makarov in his entire career. Bravo!!!
2. Captain Gaydamak, performed by Sergei Gorobchenko, is a village guy who became a special forces soldier, fulfilling his dream. He becomes Egor Osorgin's partner and friend. His type of simple country boy is great for scouting. Both heroes worked well together, but in love, everyone has their own way. Sergey was great in this role. Bravo!
3. Zhenya, performed by Elvira Bolgova, is a beautiful red-haired girl whom the heroes saved during one of their business trips, and at the same time became the cause of discord. Nevertheless, she is shown to be a strong-willed and determined lady who is not afraid of difficulties and is able to overcome them. Elvira did well! She succeeds in such roles! Bravo!
It should also be noted Alexander Dedyushko in the role of Commander, Alexander Baluyev in the role of Colonel Shiryaev and Vasily Semenovich Lanovoy in the role of General Osorgin (he acts here as a kind of homage to the Soviet painting "Officers", in which he has a similar fate, and the music when he appears clearly refers to this legendary classic). Yes, all the actors did their best, what can I say here.
The series turned out great. Therefore, in 2009, a sequel was filmed - and it has already turned out to be gray out of gray, do not watch this. But the first series even now looks fresh and relevant. And if the series is analyzed in detail, then it will be several parts and a lot of text. Therefore, it is necessary to wrap up.
A score of 9 out of 10 and a recommendation to watch!
