Is this movie based on a true story?

No, the movie is a work of fiction, but it's inspired by real-life events. However, the film's portrayal of domestic violence is not accurate and should not be taken as a representation of real-life situations.

What is the movie's message?

The movie's message is unclear and confusing. It attempts to humanize the perpetrator and downplay the severity of the crime, which is not only insensitive but also misguided.

Is the movie suitable for all ages?

No, the movie contains mature themes, including domestic violence, and is not suitable for all ages. It's rated R for a reason, and parents should use discretion when allowing children to watch it.

What is the movie's runtime?

The movie's runtime is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, making it a long and drawn-out experience.

Is the movie worth watching?

No, the movie is not worth watching if you're looking for a realistic portrayal of domestic violence. However, if you're interested in watching a movie about love and redemption, you might find some redeeming qualities in this film.

What are the movie's technical specifications?

The movie is shot in 4K resolution and has a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. It's available on DVD and digital platforms.

Is the movie available in different languages?

Yes, the movie is available in Russian with English subtitles. However, the subtitles are not always accurate and can be distracting at times.

Can I return the movie if I don't like it?

Yes, you can return the movie if you don't like it. However, you should check the return policy of the store or streaming platform you purchased it from for more information.

A Disappointing Portrayal of Domestic Violence

I'm appalled that a movie like this was made in modern Russia. Our justice system and law enforcement are in shambles, and it's appalling to see a fabricated film defending sex offenders. In reality, it wouldn't have even landed the perpetrator with a charge of attempted rape, maybe at most a minor hooliganism offense.

Meet Eva, an unlikable and unpopular teenager who works at a small candy shop. According to the film, she's not my favorite person, but that's what we're told right from the beginning. One day, a famous musician – and I use that term loosely, given his scandalous reputation – Alexander Vornov shows up at her workplace, yelling and causing a scene, and then chases after her.

Alexander VornovShe tries to hold back tears when he splashes her with mud, but ends up running into the shop's courtyard to escape him. That's where he catches up to her, grabs her wrist, and she screams for help. A crowd gathers, the musician gets detained, and the girl gives her 'testimony' in a pretty bizarre way:

- Was there any contact? - Yes, there was.

The LieWhen Eva accused the musician of assault, it wasn't for the assault itself. That was the bizarre approach of the investigator, who seemed to have it out for good guys like him. And it was an intention, not an action. We didn't get to see the statement, but it's clear from the dialogue between Eva and the investigator that there was something like 'attacked me with the intent to rape'. Intent isn't punishable. That's what our laws say - check out the quote: Russian legislation uses the presence of additional violence (for example, physical violence or explicit threats to apply it, coercion through blackmail, use of a dependent position) as criteria for the criminal sexual violence. So, for example, the absence of consent to sexual relations, if no additional criteria of the crime were present, will not be recognized as a crime. The absence of evidence of additional violence or threats, for example, the absence of signs of such violence or the lack of witnesses, may lead to a refusal to report to the police.

Information from the website of the Center for Assistance to Survivors of Sexual Violence and Their Families 'Sisters'

Grabbing someone's hands isn't sexual violence. And who better to know that than investigators?

Nevertheless, in the film, the prosecutor threatens to request 10 years in prison for sexual harassment. What nonsense. Eva was 17, the age of consent in Russia is 16. She's still a minor, but it's definitely not a case for the maximum sentence. And that's 5 years at most, not 10. And if that, it's more likely to be a fine of a couple of thousand rubles.

Article 133 of the Russian Criminal Code deals with 'coercion to engage in sexual activities.' Coercion through blackmail, threats, or financial dependence can result in a fine of up to 120,000 rubles, forced labor, or imprisonment for up to a year. The same offense, committed against a minor, is punishable by forced labor for up to five years.

I'm still trying to wrap my head around why this controversy has turned into a media circus, with people not only interested in the musician but also his ex. She's getting interviewed, given clothes, and even a witness to the incident is trying to capitalize on the situation. Eva's literally basking in the attention. Once the holidays ended, she went back to her 11th grade, where she transformed from a normal student to a popular figure all over again.

In reality, girls who accuse someone of a crime, even if it was caught on camera, and the victim suffered severe consequences or even death, are often shunned. They're lucky if they don't get a bucket of trash thrown at them. Eva wouldn't be getting praised; she'd be getting bullied online, stalked, and her life would be ruined.A little statistics, anyone? I'm going to give it to you anyway. Check out the quotes; it's worth reading.

I've been trying to wrap my head around the 2025 crime statistics from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Apparently, there were 3,104 reported cases of rape or attempted rape. But when you apply the latency factor*, the actual number of cases jumps to a staggering 23,280. That's right, folks, it's estimated that only 1 in 7.5 reported cases actually get documented. The latency factor is a real thing, and it's a major issue when it comes to tracking crimes like rape. The experts have calculated that the latency factor for rape is around 7.5. So, to get a better idea of the actual number of rapes committed in Russia, you'd need to multiply the number of reported cases by at least 7.5.

I'm still trying to process the recent court case involving Dmitry Grachyov. The prosecution was adamant that he shouldn't lose his parental rights, despite the fact that he chopped off his wife's hands. Apparently, he was a good dad who took his responsibilities seriously. I'm not sure what's more disturbing, the fact that he committed such a heinous crime or the fact that the prosecution was willing to overlook it in the name of family values.

Shagin Zeynalov, the guy who shot Daria Mukhina in the eye with a hunting rifle and then refused to call for medical help, got off with a slap on the wrist – a 5-year sentence in a regular colony, not even a maximum-security one. And he was out in no time.

I'm scratching my head trying to understand why some popular actresses agreed to participate in this project. Elizaveta Ishchenko has already appeared in a few big-name productions, and she's got a lead role in the upcoming series 'Trass'. Daria Vereschagina, who plays the role of an 11th-grader Sasha, has been in '100 Years After'. I mean, they don't really need to take on a project like this, considering their careers are already taking off. As for their acting, I've got no complaints – they all do a decent job with the weak script. Ishchenko, in particular, seems like a talented actress.

I'm talking about the absolute nonsense in this movie, not the actions of a teenager, but the investigation. The accusation isn't just based on the kid's testimony. The charges and articles of the Russian Penal Code shown in the film shouldn't contradict Russian law itself.The victims of crimes (I'm talking about the girl) get slammed with accusations from the public, not support and admiration. And if we're talking about false testimony, that's not exactly pleasant or fun.The storyline is completely fabricated. According to the Vorenov law, the most they'd do is give him a warning, and then he'd tell his die-hard fans on social media that some waitress at a café treated him badly and kissed his feet, and the devoted fans would just devour the waitress and the café whole.Pros:

The picture is beautiful, it's a pleasure to watch.Eva's parents are good people, even if they're a bit lost in this questionable and terrifying situation.Eva's behavior, by the way, raises no serious questions – she's in a really complicated situation and is dealing with it, even though she manages to enjoy her new interesting life a bit.Book about the topic: Unbelievable. The story of a crime nobody believed Actually, this one's from the victim's perspective, who was believed to be guilty. It happens way more often than you think.

And what's the end result?

Surviving an attack or assault doesn't make you special, it just means you're a survivor of an attack or assault. And to mock those who have been through it, I think that's completely despicable. It's disgusting to think that this was created by women - the director is a woman, and the writers are too. I'd give it 1* and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I mean, if you're freezing at home, I guess this could be a free way to heat up your place.

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