Gogol

The 8 TV episodes or 3 connected movies of Gogol saga seem very similar to SLEEPY HOLLOW (1999) in style. However its story of murder, revenge, manipulation and love across two worlds bears resemblance more to A CHINESE GHOST STORY (1987). Just look at ACGS's front page image in IMDB and one may mistake it for being a poster of GOGOL (2017-2019).

As a whole GOGOL is well made and is interesting to behold. Unfortunately the latter part turns hasty and unconvincing. Of course this defect may be overlooked if there are following episodes or sequels, then we can judge accordingly. It's a pity that there aren't any. C'est la vie.

Really enjoyed. Typical Russian humour I.e the Watch Series.

Thoroughly enjoyed this series. In fact, I enjoyed it more the further on it got. I'd love there to have been a second season, but it doesn't look as though there is. (Despite the final episode appearing to offer a trailer for one). Yes, it's subtitled, but don't let that put you off. There is a wide range of characters revolving around the eponymous lead, most of whom are initially presented as 'local yokels', but soon become more than that. Indeed, some of them are quite surprisingly so. Gogol's fainting spells are at first a bit of a thing, but thankfully he's able to overcome them as the plot moves along. It is very gothic in mood, and with various different aspects coming to light it's difficult to know which are the red herrings. Friends become foes and vice versa, but not in a fast or flashy manner. Who is the killer? Is the child with a tail a witch? Why is the ghost following Gogol? Why are the killings repeating after 30 years? There are lots of questions that need answering, and it all helps to draw you on. There is a small amount of partial nudity, but it's not done gratuitously, it fits with the time and place. There is also some killing, head lopping, etc, but again, it goes with the territory, and is not overly gory. I knew nothing of this series prior to finding it on Amazon, and it didn't disappoint.

What a wild mix of characters! Gogol's family servant, the doctor, the "police chief" and of course Gogol himself...all could be hilariously outrageous, including some very witty, sharp dialogue here and there. If they could have maintained the more camp quality throughout it would have worked better. But ultimately, the story, character decisions and development altogether became rather silly and (to me) not so enjoyable...particularly the religious and occult content. I round it up to 6. But it is great to see a quality production from Russia.

I found this by accident on youtube. Look for Janson Media, they have a lot of great Russian/east euro films and series.

Gogol is an excellent kind of supernatural mystery series that has the ambience of Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow but much more bizarre and involved. Great acting, effects, cinematography, direction. Highly recommended.