Mira

MIRA is somewhat of an unexpected thing to behold. While the story is a bit of a knockoff of the Emmerich formula (family, drama, calamity, spectacle, and family), the attention to detail and overall execution is something else, indeed.

There are sequences in this film that are truly remarkable in every aspect, rivalling some of the best Hollywood has ever brought forth. The camera work, the production design, the acting (including the extras) and the VFX in the impact sequence are quite extraordinary, and the more realistic approach results in a fresh new way of witnessing a terrifying disaster.

I really have to stress again how amazing many of the visual effects really are: not flashy and rubbery like so many things we get to see from much bigger films, but seamless and believable. I really wonder how they pulled of a lot of shots that seem like practical effects, which of course they can't be.

Don't expect a perfect film, though. Especially in the third act, the film loses much of its realism and also goes into full cheese mode, but the good aspects easily prevail, at least for me. And so the verdict comes easy: if you're a sci-fi buff like me, you need to watch this.

Directed by Dmitry Kiselyov, Mira is a 2022 sci-fi disaster film centered around the themes of family and survival.

The Story The film follows Lera, a young girl who must find a way to connect with her father, a cosmonaut aboard the space station Mira, after a meteor shower devastates Earth.

What Works Mira is praised for its impressive CGI, particularly in the destruction sequence depicting the meteor shower's impact. The film also features strong performances from its cast, particularly the young actress who portrays Lera.

Overall While not breaking new ground narratively, Mira is a visually stunning sci-fi disaster film with strong performances and exciting action sequences. It's a good option for fans of the genre looking for a thrilling cinematic experience.

Plot: 5/10. Cheesy and unrealistic, a mix between Deep Impact and Geostorm, yet entertaining, although the third act is a bit weak.

Direction and photography: 9/10. Very well made film, with beautiful photography and superb one-shot scenes.

CGI: 9/10. Better than some recent Marvel/DC movies. Close to Gravity. Not a CGI-fest where the plot is driven by special effects.

Acting: 7/10? I've seen the spanish dub, which I think is pretty good. I can't tell about the russian or english dub, so...

In conclusion, a Hollywood's Sci-Fi blockbuster made in Russia, with little to no patriotism. Definitely I recommend it.

Mira/The Last Signal has the best special effects I have seen.

C. G. I. was never detectable to me.

Almost the whole movie was special effects made from the viewer perspective such that you felt involved yourself when there was action.

The attention to detail was high.

Scene after scene appeared at a breathtaking rate during action segments, and it was astounding how they could make so many scenes with such difference, detail, and quality.

The plot, although done before, was saved by an original idea about communication.

One must wonder if politics can be used to explain the omission of Oscar nomination.

Residents of Vladivostok are looking forward to witnessing the spectacle of a meteor shower. The public has been assured it poses no threat to Earth.

But they were wrong. Last minute changes show there is a big chance of meteors hitting Earth. Unawares, 15-year old Lera and her 8-year old brother Yegor are just as exited to see the meteor shower. Lera suffers from pyrophobia as a result of an elevator accident several years ago.

Lera's biological father, Valery Arabov, works on the space station Mira. Through modern satellite technology he is able to see and speak to Lera. When the meteors hit, it causes widespread chaos and destruction, and when Lera is trapped under rubble in a building, Valery is able to help her thanks to Mira. But with the space station also suffering substantial damage, time is running out for Valery to guide Lera.

Lera also goes in search of Yegor, who is trapped in a building on the verge of collapse. The destruction scenes are incredibly well done with fantastic visuals and special effects, excellent photography and good editing. With danger around every corner for all the characters, 'Mira' is a nail-biting thrill ride. I enjoyed the characters and rooted for all of them.

'Mira' is a thrilling action adventure survival story in the vein of 'Armageddon'.