Night Watch
Reviewed By
Shawn Swanson
I find myself wanting to put this film into a box, categorizing it and allowing you my reader a reference point. But the more I search for such a definition, the more intangible this film becomes. There is no box to hold Night Watch, it is quiet possibly one this years first truly original and well thought out stories.
Night Watch was released in Russia in 2004 where it was a box office heavy weight, out grossing such films as Spiderman 2, and The Lord of the Rings. Now it has arrived in the states with hopes of doing the same. I for one am going to be cheering it on. Night Watch is the first film of a trilogy based upon the novels of Sergei Lukyanenko (Night Watch, Day Watch and Dusk Watch) who also co-wrote the screenplay.
The Story revolves around our central character Anton Gorodetsky played wonderfully by Russian actor Konstantin Khabensky. Antone begins as a man who has lost the love of his life and is in search of someone that will help him get her back. In doing so he winds up consorting with an “Other”. The “Others” are different from you and I, they are humans but they have been born with certain gifts and abilities. The Vampires, Shape Shifters and Witches of this world are among the many “Others” that live amongst the humans. Antone quickly finds out that he indeed is an “Other” and thus the story begins.
In this strange and sometimes disturbing world there is the darkness and the light. The “Others” who choose the side of the darkness feed from the evil within the human spirit, those that choose the light feed from the good. The Night Watch is the force that polices this balance. They have codes, rules and regulations. If you are an “Other” and you break the law you are arrested and tried. Antone is an officer of the Night Watch and is thrust into a scheme that he cannot foresee. Antone stumbles upon a cursed woman who threatens all who live in this world, and a child who may or may not soon be the most powerful “Other’ the world has seen. There are bad things coming that only Antone can prevent, or can he?
From start to finish I was surprised while viewing this movie. I thought I knew where it was going, and just as I felt sure of myself it veered to the left. I found myself lost in the world of the Night Watch, consumed by the characters and rooting for Antone to succeed. If you like fantasy you will love Night Watch.
Here is a nice sidebar. Since this movie was made in Russia it is subtitled. Please don’t let that scare you away. By the middle of the screening I didn’t even realize that I was reading anymore. The acting is so good that you could almost watch it without subtitles and still understand what is going on.
In closing I’ll say this: Night Watch is stunning! One of the best films I’ve seen this year. When it comes to a theater near you, plop down the eight bucks, you wont be sorry.
I must say I agree with there. This film was not at all what I exspected.
The special effects were there but they did not over power the film or story. Are you listening George?
Great Film, indeed.:-?
One problem, in the beginning there was a prophecy about a child, more powerful then either side and that child would tip the balance between light and dark. I don’t know can you say “luke I am your fatherâ€
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