On Thursday, May 26, the biographical drama "Amanat" directed by Anton Sievers ("Pregnancy Test 2", "Swing") and Rauf Kubaev ("Carmelita", "I'm Standing on the Edge") is released in wide release.
The plot focuses on the Caucasus of the 19th century and the story of the son of Imam Shamil Jamalutdin.
As a child, Jamalutdin had to leave his native land and go to St. Petersburg as an amanat - a "great hostage".
This gesture was to become a symbol of a truce between the two sides.
Having studied and received the rank of officer, with knowledge of several languages, literature and science, Jamalutdin returns to his homeland, to Dagestan, as an heir.
But none of his countrymen, including his father, expects that Jamal set out to end the war and reconcile the peoples.
He remains true to his views to the very end.
Life in Russia changed him - he realized the futility of the war, got to know the Russian people better, learned a lot and fell in love with Elizaveta Olenina, the daughter of a retired major general.
No wonder they say that love will save the world.
The story of Jamalutdin is proof of this.
Even when they part, they continue to exchange tender letters and wait for the moment when they can be together.
© Shot from the film "Amanat"
The love shown on the screen is sincere and all-consuming.
She is able to inspire even desperate deeds - for example, sacrifice happiness for the sake of peace, or ride a horse through unknown and dangerous places to warn a loved one about a conspiracy against him.
The film reveals a part of the story that perhaps few people know about, but after watching it, they will want to read in more detail, because the figure of Jamalutdin is a good example of a person who lives according to his word, honor and principles.
He is the one who will fight for the sake of peace and will definitely fulfill the promise he made to the emperor.
Such pure feelings, heroic deeds and faith in the best are needed in cinema to remind the viewer of the most important thing in life - regardless of nationality, status and religion, it is important to remain human and be able to see the best in others.
The film was shot in amazing locations where the beauty of nature is breathtaking even through the screen - the high, mighty mountains of the Caucasus, rivers, grazing animals, estates, spacious fields, as well as the majestic palaces and alleys of St. Petersburg.
Many shots are filled with freedom.
This is especially felt in the scene when Jamalutdin rides a horse, arms spread out to the sides.
He enjoys the speed, the headwind, the setting sun and, in general, this moment of joy.
The highlanders' costumes are also impressive - they fully reveal the color of the people, their proud character, and help to plunge headlong into history.
Especially good is the national wedding dress of one of the heroines, specially brought for filming from the local history museum.
The images of Liza Olenina also partly reveal her nature - subtle and sensual, but with a solid core inside.
© Shot from the film "Amanat"
Despite the fact that the film is about war, there are few battle scenes in it.
However, the tape contains complex duels with swords.
It is exciting to watch the confrontation between Jamalutdin and Mamonov - they fence very skillfully and believably, which speaks of the physical preparation of the actors.
In general, the entire cast is chosen organically.
Everyone who appeared in the frame, I want to unquestioningly believe.
It is especially worth highlighting Amin Khuratov, who plays the role of an already adult Jamalutdin.
His views and emotions can be applauded.
Varvara Komarova also got into the image - her Liza Olenina really demonstrated a sharp mind, a strong character and loyalty to herself with a gentle, subtle, touching appearance.
The ending of the film deserves special attention.
The heartbreaking shots in which Jamalutdin addresses his father for the last time beat in the heart and make their way to tears.
It is also admirable that the actions of Jamalutdin, which he managed to accomplish in his short life, gave others peace and tranquility.
“Serfdom was abolished in the Russian Empire, and the long-term Caucasian War, in which there were many victories and defeats, heroism and betrayal, soon ended.
But our hero entered the history of this war as a peacemaker and a great hostage - Amanat, ”the film ends with these words.