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| The Balkan Line: A High-Octane Action Romp with a Nationalist Edge |
| 2023-12-19 |
| I had Google Bard write this review based on my own notes, which are featured below. The first two drafts made unacceptable references to "harmful stereotypes." [Wikipedia] "Balkan Line" throws you headfirst into a whirlwind of action and intrigue, set against the backdrop of the Kosovo conflict in 1999. From a brutal opening mission gone wrong to a high-stakes airfield siege, the film delivers a relentless dose of adrenaline-pumping shootouts and explosions. The story follows a disgraced Russian Special Forces team, ostracized for their past actions but forced back into action by the escalating conflict. Their unlikely allies? A Serbian police squad and a mysterious nurse with a hidden past. What unfolds is a tense dance between loyalty, revenge and survival, as they navigate the treacherous landscape of war and personal demons. The film's strength lies in its action sequences. The choreography is sharp, the special effects are impressive, and the sheer scale of the final battle is truly awe-inspiring. Director Andrey Volgin pulls no punches, painting a gritty and often brutal picture of war's toll on both soldiers and civilians. However, "Balkan Line" is not without its flaws. The film's portrayal of the conflict is heavily skewed towards the Russian perspective, often painting Kosovars in a negative light. While the film touches on the complexities of the conflict, it ultimately falls into the trap of simplistic good vs. evil narratives. Furthermore, some character motivations feel underdeveloped, and the film's nationalistic undertones may not sit well with all viewers. Despite these shortcomings, "Balkan Line" remains an entertaining action film with enough twists and turns to keep you engaged until the explosive finale. Here are some additional points to consider: The film's visual effects are impressive, especially considering its budget. The action sequences are well-choreographed and exciting. The film's portrayal of the Kosovo conflict is skewed towards the Russian perspective. Some character motivations feel underdeveloped. The film's nationalistic undertones may not sit well with all viewers. Overall, "Balkan Line" is a high-octane action film with a strong visual style and a compelling central story. However, its one-sided portrayal of the conflict and nationalistic leanings may limit its appeal to some viewers. If you're looking for an adrenaline rush and can overlook the film's political agenda, then "Balkan Line" is definitely worth checking out . My notes. But, seriously, this is a good film. It is available on Tubi under the title Covert Games. The Balkan line is a 2019 Russian war film set in Kosovo in 1999, where four years before before, a five man Russian Special Forces team was sent to capture a known terrorist Bad Guy. A gunfight ensues and the Bad Guy is captured, but not before the Bad Guy kills a young team member. On the return leg, traveling by helicopter, the team leader, Andre Shatalov, is told by his commander, Lt. Colonel Aslan-Bek "Bek" Evkhoev, the mission to capture the Bad Guy should have been scrubbed. Also riding aboard the helicopter was a NATO liaison man, of an unidentified nationality, who insisted the mission as performed continue. An argument ensues, and Andre ask Evkhoev who is in charge of the mission: NATO or Evkhoev. Andre then grabs the Bad Guy and tosses him overboard. His action disgraces the whole team, all of whom are now barred from re-entering Russia, and who have been stripped of rank, awards, and pay. Evkhoev also is punished. Fast forward to 1999. The team is scattered. One team member chases young Serbian women, while another drinks in a bar, and bums cigarettes. A third member works with Serbian police as an ordinance disposal expert, cleaning up after NATO bombings. Andre works with Serbian police as an advisor while the last member, a female sniper, works security at a brothel. Traveling by bus, Andre meets a pretty young Serbian girl who happens also to be a nurse. Their bus is stopped by Kosovo militia, headed by the evil Smuk, a black bedecked Moslem commander. Andre is knocked out by one of Smuk's minions, and when he comes to, he does operator shit, seizes a rifle and shoots all the bad guys, save three. Holding the Bad Guy with a rifle, he forces the Bad Guy to tell his people to stand down. The bus with the passengers and the Pretty Girl escapes. The film centers around the Russian takeover of the airfield at Pristina in Kosovo in 1999. Of course how the film is written is nothing like what actually took place, but it is action-packed and very entertaining. The film doesn't hold anything back with regard to Kosovar behavior. The film continually makes references to drug running, pogroms, and criminal activity such as human organ harvesting, done by compliant Kosovar authorities. The main feature of the film is the feat of arms performed by the Russian Special Forces team at the airfield, seven operators, including a pair of Serbia police, defend against 100 attacking Moslem Bad Guys. The special effects are quite good, but of course some of the characters in the film are larger than life, and maybe that's the director's point. In the end, three of the five operators survive, the other two having died while heroically saving the day. Andre presumably winds up with the Pretty Girl. I cannot recommend this film enough for its visual effects and storyline. Yes, it is a Russian patriotic film, and when you get past the that, you'll find a film well worth watching. |
| Posted by:badanov |