John Malkovich credited as playing...
Grandfather Kuzya
- Grandfather Kuzya: Hunger comes and goes. But dignity, once lost, never returns.
- [growls at young Kolyma]
- [first lines]
- [first lines]
- Grandfather Kuzya: [leading ceremony] By our ancestors, free hunters, and warriors, by the great Northern Forests, by the river Lena, and amore, we pray to you. Blessed Mary, Mother of God, full of grace, hear the words of this your humble servant. Forgive us honest criminals for the sins we are forced to commit. Assist us in our battle against power-mongering Polit bureaucrats, and their minions, cops and soldiers, And every other devil in uniform. Oh most gracious mother of the most gracious God. Bless our weapons, temper our knives, guide our bullets, and anoints us so that our grasp may become yours.
- Grandfather Kuzya: People call them crazy, insane, abnormal. All because we don't understand what they're thinking and saying. But their language is the language of God. That's why they are called a gift from God. And we must respect them all. No one is allowed to lay a finger on them, and it's up to us to protect them, even if it costs us our lives.
- Grandfather Kuzya: Now, let us drink our teafil, the best tea in the whole world. First, we enjoy its warmth, and we appreciate its aroma. And only then do we taste its flavor. Three pleasures in one. And to think it's only just water.
- [laughs heartily]
- Grandfather Kuzya: [in prison letter] Kolyma, my son, I have seen to it that money has arrived in hands of the right people, so you will be getting out soon. Unfortunately, this is not good news. I had to do this because when you are free, an even more difficult task awaits you. - Grandfather Kuzya
- Grandfather Kuzya: When a criminal dies, his switchblade must be broken. One part remains with him, and part with the person whom he loves most in this world.
- Kolyma 10: Why?
- Grandfather Kuzya: Because that way, on Judgement Day, they can find each other and be reunited in peace.