The story of a gang of children growing up in a community of banished criminals, in a forgotten corner of the former Soviet Union. This community rejects the world outside. The only law it obeys… is its own. Against this backdrop two best friends, Kolyma and Gagarin, gradually become fierce enemies as they find themselves on opposite sides of the strict code of honour of the ‘honest criminal’ brotherhood.
Acting
Malkovich's whispered menace is worth admission alone.
Cinematography
Bleak Soviet borderlands as character, not backdrop.
Direction
Salvatores finds beauty in brutal coming-of-age.
Director
Gabriele Salvatores
John Malkovich
Grandfather Kuzya
Arnas Fedaravičius
Kolyma
Vilius Tumalavicius
Gagarin
Eleanor Tomlinson
Xenya
Peter Stormare
Ink
Jonas Trukanas
Mel
Andrius Paulavičius
Russian Sergeant
Donatas Šimukauskas
Russian Soldier
Arvydas Lebeliūnas
Doctor
Dainius Jankauskas
Vulture
Julius Žalakevičius
Russian soldier
Žilvinas Tratas
Shorty
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The 'honest criminal' subculture depicted is based on real Soviet vory v zakone traditions, where thieves maintained elaborate codes rejecting state authority—including refusing to cooperate with police or do legitimate work.
Salvatores originally wanted to shoot in actual Siberia, but budget and weather pushed production to Lithuania—ironically, another former Soviet territory with its own complex history of displacement.
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