Cargo 200

English Title: Cargo 200

Alexey Balabanov (27th CIFF Someone to Watch) brings to the screen an unflinching view of the mindless violence within the final breaths of the Soviet Union. CARGO 200, the term that referred to the returned bodies of Soviet soldiers brought home from the war in Afghanistan, stands in as a literal and figurative theme throughout the film. The story begins by introducing us to Artem, whose car breaks down on the way to visit his mother in a small industrial town. Forced to take refuge with Aleksei, a mysterious moonshiner, and his Vietnamese hired hand, Artem's dialogue gives voice to the discontentment of the Russian people of the mid-1980s. The story then takes a dark turn by introducing us to Captain Zhurov and his role in the abduction and torture of the daughter of a highly placed Soviet official. The film depicts the ineptitude of the Soviet police force and government by showing how Zhurov is able to commit unthinkable and shocking acts, exploiting his placement in the bureaucracy. Supposedly based on a true story, Balabanov creates a film that is sure to shock the most unflinching heart. (In Russian with English subtitles) – WFG