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Directed by: Jos de Putter Starring: The Chenchen Mafia overlord Not sure how you can get your hands on this film, it is by no means mainstream. Probably exclusively arthouse material. If you can, though, watch it. If you've heard of Khoozh-Ahmend Noukhaev, and i'm guessing you haven't, you may already know he's led a pretty fascinating life. This documentary is mainly about Noukhaev's gradual rise to power, creating what has become known as the feared Chenchen Mafia. I say feared, because, quite simply, this guy has some incredible balls. He openly admits to being involved in the assassination of politicians from the former Soviet Union, and building his reputation on their spilled blood. He, and everyone from Chechnya who is interviewed feels passionately that the Soviets savaged their lands, and treated them like dogs. When you see their war-ravaged homes, and hear constant rebel gun fire throughout half the film, any line of right and wrong becomes pretty blurry. This is not to say that this film sides itself with Chechnya, as the righteous underdog, but it does offer a pretty interesting alternative angle of the story that the newspapers didn't present. Jos de Putter manages to get very upclose and personal, following around Noukhaev in his daily life routine (which is about as packed as any President's). He is seen by the people as Chechnya as a Warrior, and certainly as a Hero. Noukhaev walks around proudly with his cane in hand, not as a necessity, but as a status symbol, to show he was shot during a bloody battle. He builds mosques left and right, prays with his people, and hands out hundred dollar bills like candy. He spends a great deal of time explaining his grandiose plans for the future of his people. His animal charisma bleeds through the film quite successfully - it is obvious this is a man who knows what he wants. Still, a large emphasis of the film is also about Chechnya's culture. Particularly their powerful faith in Allah, their Warrior lineage, their unique hats, and how their Nation's unique dance is critical to uniting the Chechynian people. Overall, The Making of a New Empire offers us a realistic glimpse into a world most of us know very little about. Other comments: Putter also shows how crucial and precious a commodity the remaining oil fields are to the people of Chechnya. Interestingly enough, although this is a documentary about a known killer and rebel lious mafia leader, there is almost zero gore. No emphasis on "blood and guts", rather, is it first-hand accounts of ongoing violent disputes between Chechnya and Russia. Who'd have thought it possible, Scarface? :P See it if you can! RATING: 5 PROS: Controversial subject matter, shines a fairly positive light on a known Mafia overlord CONS: Lots of shaky handhelds shots, particularly while driving. Some slow points where the film's progress lags, but nevertheless still very interesting to watch. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: http://imdb.com/title/tt0213845/ Jedah fucked around with this message at 07:17 on Oct 26, 2005 |
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Oct 26, 2005 07:14
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| # ? Apr 27, 2024 12:55 |
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