Viy Let me start with the basics of the film, the story. The plot of “Viy” is quite good, especially when compared to other Russian films. It is interesting from beginning to end, and not as it usually happens - started for health, finished for rest. It is full of action and almost does not sag. Except for a couple of tedious dialogues and sprawling scenes. Another plus of the plot is its validity. Everything is logical and interconnected, there are no superfluous characters or scenes that are unknown from where.
However, as good as the story is, there are a couple of flaws. The first and most notable is the genre. The plot, like a drunken New Year, staggers from genre to genre. These are horrors, then adventure mysticism, then detective. And they arise spontaneously, without any connection with each other. The next downside is, uh, Vii! Gogol?! Of course, the phrase “according to the story of Gogol” can be justified – the devil there, the Cossacks... And Via, too, because the story of the same name is filmed, but still something is wrong here. Too far off screen Vii from his book ancestor. There's too little Gogol in it.
But all the shortcomings of the plot can more than compensate for the entertainment. Visually, the film is just a candy. The camera work, costumes, scenery are great. This is probably the most important part of the movie.
Of course, you can’t ignore monsters. They deserve a separate plus. Their abundance and diversity can not be admired. However, the shattering of the plot touched them as well. They are shown as real creatures (like wolves chasing a carriage), they are hallucinations of Cossacks who have drunk themselves in rubbish, and they become real again. This somewhat spoiled the impression of them and especially of Vie.
Overall, I liked the movie. It is simple, pleasant, spectacular and perfect for relaxing in the evening. So if you do not have a particularly reverent attitude to Gogol, and you know how to turn off the brain while watching, then I advise you to look.
7 out of 10
Original
