Shadowboxing (2005)

Stylish but barely mediocre overall

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

After playing with our expectations, this turns out to be a very different sort of film.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

With this movie, I was very glad to see how the quality of Russian production finally approaches the best world standards. I mean, there always have been geniuses in Russian cinema, but one cannot live on caviar - needs daily bread, too. This action shows a young professional boxer who loses his vision and then must save the world and his love. And blind he does. I would like to invite visitors to see pictures from the movie and watch a detailed trailer at RussArt.com. Those who read Russian can find more materials useful: reviews, actor biographies, articles, etc.Pictures: http://russart.com/?moviepictures&mid=247 .Trailer: http://russart.com/?movietrailer&mid=247 .

I agree that there are some deficiencies in the film. But you have to admit its a great film for a budget of 3.5 million. How many American thrillers cost much more but deliver far less. Andrei Panin is simply the epitome of silent aggression. The camera work is great too. Maybe Russia can try to launch its films abroad in non CIS countries in limited number of screens in major centers like the French do. It really doesn't deserve a 5.6 rating. I cant understand why people are giving it a rating of 1. The near absence of action in an action film? I nearly forget the acting of the American boxing champion and his manager especially is really good. It really adds spice to the film.

If you put too much of expectations in this movie - you might end up slightly disappointed. This is how I felt upon leaving the cinema.It's a well-thought action with the boxing session at the very beginning of the movie being the most spectacular scene throughout more than two hours of screen time. I couldn't help thinking of two movies while watching it: Brat-2 and Boumer. In terms of form it's similar to both of them: dynamic, colourful and oftentimes witty, though in terms of substance it certainly lags behind: unlike Brat it lacks any message, unlike Boumer it does not impress with novelty.Have to pay tribute to the actors, Andrei Panin being brilliant as usually, rising stars Denis Nikiforov and Yelena Panova also performing superbly.Don't expect much of this movie, and if you feel like watching a good piece of action you'll definitely enjoy it.