Review of Leviathan (2014) by Gustavo B — 22 Jan 2015

Movies are use to explore politics, war and other subject matters as a metaphors. 1995 Emir Kusturika, masterfully create the film Underground to represents the conflict of Yugoslavia subsequently divided in three countries. Others film explore another subject matters, like Aliens and the Vietnam war and X-Men and Gay Right Movement.

Leviathan (Andrey Zvyagintsev) is based on the Biblical story of Naboth's vineyard. Kolya owns a property up at the hill, he is married and have a teenager son. Kolya is also the town mechanic, sadly an alcoholic. Kolya property it's been on a trial against Vadim the town's mayor, who wants to own this piece of land no matter what. Dimitri (Vladimir Vdovichenkov) is Kolya old friend, but also his lawyer on the case against Vadim. No matter how law works in this town Vadim (Roman Madyanov) is able to win the case and also make sure to ruin everyone's life.

Lilya (Elena Lyadova) Kolya's wife have marital problems with him, they seem to be distant, besides Kolya's effort Lilya is no longer feeling anything from him, Surprisingly she is having an affair with Dimitri. On the other hand Roma (Sergey Pokhodaev) Kolya's son from the first marriage have problems accepting Lilya as his stepmother, which be reflected in problems of authority.

Vadim the town mayor, have a team of people who help him to cheat the system, hiding all his dirty laundry, which almost was released to the public by Dimitri, when he was trying to negotiate with Vadim using these documents as solution to win the case. Vadim is a very alcoholic person, also a very conflicted man who use the high priest as a confidant and also advisory for his none ethical political practice.

Leviathan explore a very controversial story about corrupt officials, corrupt church, money, power, laws that protect the perpetrators and not the victims and sadly the trust on the system.

There is so many images in Leviathan that represents metaphorically speaking the strong message against elected officials and corruption. Showing a bunch of friends celebrating a birthday by practicing shot and range with old Russian presidents pictures also how god explain in the scriptures that truth is absolute freedom by using the high priest giving the final sermon. Do not pay attention of actions of violence, destruction and hate, because are not god good intentions, these are lies pretending to be the truth. The church will protect people because the church is state also could be church institution.

After you leave the theater you are upset, not only for the conclusion, but the facts are not far from the truth. Leviathan takes place in Russia, but can takes place in U.S.A, Spain, Venezuela, Argentina, Mexico or even in a African Nation. You are not longer protected by the state. The laws protect the politicians, but not the citizens, even if you go against the state using the laws, you will never win.

Leviathan is a powerful film that deserves awards and recognition for the masterful film making work, from their actors and crew.