13 Russian films that are successful in foreign distribution

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

Many foreign films are successful in the Russian box office, but domestic filmmakers do not always succeed in conquering the world film market. Many Russian films are released abroad, but only a few manage to win the hearts of viewers abroad. At the same time, the main indicator of success is, first of all, box office receipts.

Burnt by the Sun, 1994, director Nikita Mikhalkov

The study by the author of the time of the Stalinist repressions did not leave the foreign viewer indifferent, and besides, it brought the picture of Nikita Mikhalkov, in addition to the Grand Prix of the 47th Cannes Film Festival, "Oscar" for the best foreign film. The high award remains the only one received by Russian filmmakers since the collapse of the Soviet Union. "Burnt by the Sun" earned $ 4 million overseas.

"Admiral", 2008, directed by Andrey Kravchuk

The historical drama, which tells the story of the leader of the White movement, Alexander Kolchak, was a huge success in Russia, and foreign box office receipts amounted to $ 4.6 million. But the film failed to fully conquer the world market, because most of these fees were brought to the film by the audience of Ukraine and the countries of the former USSR.

Crew, 2016, director Nikolai Lebedev

The creators of the picture since the release of "Crew" on the screens asked not to compare their film with the masterpiece of the same name by Alexander Mitta, but many viewers saw in the creation of Nikolai Lebedev an attempt to repeat the success of the cult Soviet film. Nevertheless, the new "Crew" raised $ 4, 9 million abroad, however, it was watched mostly in the PRC.

"Dislike", 2017, directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev

The film from the creator of "Leviathan" leaves a heavy, even depressing impression. But the main advantage of the film is the director's ability to make his viewer think, look for the roots of what is happening around and empathize with the heroes, trying on their fates. "Dislike" won a jury prize at the Cannes Film Festival and was even nominated for an Oscar. The Hollywood Reporter received favorable attention for the film and noted the director's skill. Overseas box office grossed $ 5 million.

"Russian Ark", 2002, director Alexander Sokurov

Alexander Sokurov managed to shoot three centuries of Russian history with just one shot. True, the filming was preceded by many months of rehearsals and preparation for the main work. Adds atmosphere to the film and the scene - the famous Hermitage. "Russian Ark" was held abroad with great success, grossed $ 5, 3 million at the box office and received recognition from foreign colleagues of the Russian director.

"The Bride", 2017, directed by Svyatoslav Podgaevsky

Most of the receipts, amounting to $ 5, 5 million, were brought to the horror of Svyatoslav Podgaevsky by the audience in Latin America, and the Hollywood studio Lionsgate bought the rights to the remake of "The Bride". True, the acquisition took place back in 2017, but the project was never released.

"The Defenders", 2017, director Sarik Andreasyan

The action movie did not make much of an impression on domestic film critics, but it came to taste in China, Mexico and Malaysia, which brought the "Defenders" most of the $ 7 million gross. It was even planned to shoot a sequel to the film, but with a hero of Chinese origin, about which an agreement was concluded with the Celestial Empire. True, no one made a new film.

"He is a dragon", 2015, directed by Indar Dzhendubaev

An essentially naive fairy tale with elements of fantasy did not make a special impression on the domestic audience, but abroad it turned out to be in great demand. The tape grossed $ 8, 9 million in overseas box office.

"Hardcore", 2016, directed by Ilya Naishuller

The joint Russian-American film in the domestic box office did not acquire so many admirers, but abroad it became very popular and brought the creators a gross of $ 13.4 million. It should be noted that many Russian viewers were dissatisfied with the "softness" of the picture. They lacked the rigidity and that same hardcore.

"Moving up", 2017, director Anton Megerdichev

Russian viewers liked the sports drama of Anton Megerdichev, but abroad he was especially fond of in China, where the picture at the state level was even recommended for viewing by coaches and athletes. It was China and South Korea that brought the creators $ 15 million in fees.

"Stalingrad", 2013, director Fyodor Bondarchuk

Foreign critics reproached the filmmakers for the lack of historical accuracy and frankly weak drama against the background of an equally weak script, noting the plot and technical imbalance of the picture. But in the Chinese box office, "Stalingrad" was a great success and brought the film a gross of $ 16 million.

"Night Watch", 2004, director Timur Bekmambetov

The mystical thriller did not go unnoticed either in the domestic box office or abroad. The adaptation of Sergei Lukyanenko's novel was well received in Germany, the USA, Great Britain, Spain, France and other countries, and the collection abroad amounted to $ 18 million. It should be noted that the "Day Watch" could not repeat the success.

"Mongol", 2007, director Sergei Bodrov Sr

A biopic about Genghis Khan, filmed by filmmakers from Russia, Germany and Kazakhstan with the Japanese actor Asano Tadanobu in the title role, received $ 20 million in foreign box office. The film was especially successful in the USA, France, Great Britain, Italy and Spain, and was shown in 30 countries in total.

Western viewers had the opportunity to appreciate the masterpieces of Soviet cinema. For some, these films became an opportunity to get to know the mysterious Russian soul, while others studied the life of ordinary Soviet citizens from them. Be that as it may, but some of our cult films are popular abroad today.