Igla

This movie's main attraction is, of course, the protagonist played by Viktor Tzoi - famous Russian rock mucisian who died tragically in a car accident merely two years after making this movie. The film's plot is quite primitive and unoriginal. Moro (Tzoi) comes to Alma-Ata and tries to save his junky girlfriend from drug addiction, but runs into trouble with the local drug mafia. The lowest point of the film are Tzoi's pathetic attempts to imitate Bruce Lee. Plus, his coolness comes off as a bit forced and pompous. Despite all that, director Rashid Nugmanov was able to create some pretty cool moments with addition of post-modern twists and some surreal scenes. Piotr Mamonov's performance as an evil doctor also helps.

The film's soundtrack, including original music by Tzoi's band KINO, is also very cool, and really contributes to the overall feeling of the movie.

This movie was originally released in Russia in 1989, and as a teenager I still remember that all the people, especially the young, impressionable kids, agreed that the movie's final scene was quite a highlight. I don't want to give it away, although it's not as mindblowing as you might think (and it's definitely not up to the standard of contemporary Western movies), but I still think that it's pretty effective, especially with KINO's hit song playing in the background. To sum it up, I will say that if you are not Russian, and not into rock music, there isn't much you will get out of this movie. Personally, I still like it quite a bit, but in a nostalgic sort of way.