many different opinions and speculations, some even say it's politics. Fans obviously very disappointed

it's indeed their motto… Interesting if it has connection to Keanu's Hawaiian ancestry or is just a coincidence, due to the meaning of the phrase

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some even say it's politics.

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It's also the best promo ever. 'Movie banned in Russia'. Instant cult ;)

I think there is no ex-Marine, like there is no ex-actor. It's in their blood…

Thank you for the details, it's definitely a connection

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It's also the best promo ever. 'Movie banned in Russia'. Instant cult ;)

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it has all the chances. It's now postponed for January 1st, 2015.
And do you think Russia will premiere a movie that bashes russians on the New Year day…?

No.

At least I am 99,99% sure of that. But lets see…

anyway. all this dance only helps build hype and status for the movie. ;)

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It shows the Russian mobsters as being ambitious, ruthless and capable.

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it's a very politically correct way to describe this phenomena :)

I would say the movie depicts Russian mobsters in a caricaturistic way… like some shoddy "heroes"
Begging with Tarasov's red shirt (we all understand the allegory, don't we?), Baba Yaga (a witch in Russian folklore/fairytales), "Bayu-bayushki bayu…" (which is in fact a very gentle lullaby a mother sings while lulling a baby), Tarasov's funny adviser who doesn't seem to co-op very well with the situation (well, this is the least of the bad), all this apogeeying with the main slap - an American killer beating Russians to pieces, be it even mobsters.

And of course, while Tarasov-father is presented as you said - ambitious, ruthless and capable, presenting the son (who is per se the future and, of course, the product of his father), the way he is presented...

There's no "glory" to their personas - that could be the main "defeat". And that's what they definitely can't stand - being mocked of. Russians can laugh at themselves, they know how (because they know their wicknesses) and truly enjoy it among themselves. But having Americans (!) laughing at them - ouffff…

All this could be quite a pinch to their ego. I also understand that Russians in US take it much easier, than the ones living in Russia, and Russian people take it much easier than Russian officials. Now I am even more interested to know the public opinion, as the officials' one can be quite obvious.

Honestly I prefer to be wrong about all that said above. Let's see.

For info, in other post-soviet countries the movie premiered without delay, and people don't evoke any political context of it.

All this thing about Russians and Americans mocking of of each other seems eternal :) May be it could and should result one day in a friendly tournament :)))

I love the movies Keanu are in, and we all fans know how much he dedicates himself to his job, and how demanding are his roles

His every role opens a new side to him and shows his extraordinary potential. I wish him every success with John Wick and that the movie gets to be seen everywhere around the globe. This movie deserves to be seen! :)

yes, I'm aware of all that symbolism (the red shirt, the lullaby, etc. I've read quite a few Russian folk tales ) and yes, as you say, it's the portrayal of the son which could be the problem for the censorship. Then again, if it weren't true, it wouldn't be seen as a problem...

I don't think you're wrong about all posted above (in your posts). All I'm saying is that, overall, it works in the movie's favor. No box office in Russia, but cult status.

Yes, you must be well acquainted with Russian culture…

You are right, Russians are very much aware of this kind of pricks in their society, who are largely criticized and satirized in their culture, as modern, as past. And again you are right, that the problem could be employing exactly this type...

The movie does benefit from this turn out, adding the mystery of censorship to its other prominent characteristics that make a cult movie.
A blessing in disguise ;)

I remember first going to Romania in '92 with our class and school teacher, first experience for a Soviet girl going abroad :))) even if it was a former communist country as well, nevertheless it was abroad! interesting experience :) Romania is a very beautiful country. Where exactly do you live? :) Ever been in Moldova?

I can not say I am a big fan of Tarkovski movies... but it could be that I was too little when they appeared and honestly I didn’t watch them afterwards in my conscious years. But he is a grand of the world cinematography. If one day i am to watch a Tarkovski movie, I would probably begin with Andrey Rubleov. What is your favourite Tarkovski film?

I've visited Chisinau in 91- or maybe it was 92? guess it was the same exchange visits program between our countries... But not since then. My ex-colleague got to travel to Moldova a lot, to repair shoe lasting machines; I was the office girl, so I stayed put in the office...

I live in the west part of Romania; right at the border with Hungary.

Tarkovski films can always be rewatched; each time I notice something new... it also depends on the viewer's mood, personal background, beliefs, etc. My favorite is Nostalghia; maybe also because of the Italian language used in the film...

Pretty funny that a review of a film soundtrack would give "marginal thumbs down" for a Varese Sarabande (!) soundtrack that the reviewer says precisely fits the film. "well there's other stuff like it" and "it's mostly for fans of the film" - as opposed to other film soundtracks?

The same guy probably glowingly reviews every score by Howard Shore (Zzzzzzzzzzzzz...) Personally, I think Shore's music for the LoTR films is the weakest part of the films. I really like Hans Zimmer, but how often do I listen to his scores outside the film?

I have a bunch of movie scores on my computer, actually, so they get listened to now and then when they appear via shuffle.

Do you like the John Wick soundtrack, Anakin?