Cargo 200 (2007)
Aleksei Balabanov's devastating Russian thriller exposes the moral rot of the late Soviet era through a story of abduction, violence, and institutional evil.
Cargo 200 - Movie Information
- Original Title: Груз 200
- Release Year: 2007
- Directed by: Aleksei Balabanov
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Runtime: 1h 29m
- Original Language: Russian
- Spoken Languages: Russian
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 14, 2007 (Russia - 18+)
- Alternative Titles: Gruz 200 (RU), 末世魔警 (CN)
- Production Companies: CTB Film Company
- Production Countries: Russia
Cargo 200 - Plot
While returning to Leningrad from a visit to his brother, Professor Artyom's car breaks down and he finds assistance at an isolated farmhouse occupied by Alexey, his wife, a Vietnamese laborer, and a stranger who wanders around the farm. When his car is repaired, Artyom leaves, drunk on moonshine, and students Valera and Angelika arrive. After Valera gets drunk, the stranger abducts Angelika.
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Cargo 200 - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Aleksei Balabanov
Main Cast
- Agniya Kuznetsova
- Aleksey Poluyan
- Leonid Gromov
- Aleksey Serebryakov
- Leonid Bichevin
- Natalya Akimova
- Mikhail Skryabin
- Dmitriy Kubasov
- Yuri Stepanov
- Aleksandr Bashirov
Writers
- Aleksei Balabanov
Producers
- Maxim Ukhanov
- Sergei Selyanov
Cargo 200 - FAQs
What is Cargo 200 about?
Cargo 200 is set in the Soviet Union in 1984 and follows a sadistic police captain who abducts a young woman and holds her captive in a nightmarish ordeal. The film uses this story to paint a devastating portrait of a society rotting from within, blending crime, horror, and political allegory.
Is Cargo 200 based on a true story?
Cargo 200 is partly inspired by real events. Director Aleksei Balabanov drew on documented cases of Soviet-era police violence and abuse of power, as well as the broader social trauma of the Afghanistan War. The film is not a direct adaptation but reflects genuine historical horrors of late Soviet society.
Who plays the villain Captain Zhurov in Cargo 200?
Aleksey Poluyan delivers a deeply unsettling performance as Captain Zhurov, the film's monstrous antagonist. His portrayal of the sadistic police officer is widely considered one of the most chilling villain performances in Russian cinema, earning both critical praise and considerable controversy.
Why was Cargo 200 so controversial in Russia?
The film provoked fierce debate in Russia for its brutal, unflinching depiction of Soviet-era violence, corruption, and moral decay. Many viewers and critics found its graphic content deeply disturbing, while others saw it as a necessary and courageous indictment of a system that crushed human dignity.
Where can you stream Cargo 200?
You can watch Cargo 200 for free on Hoopla. It's worth checking JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming availability in your region, as options can change over time.
Who directed Cargo 200 and what is his style?
Aleksei Balabanov directed Cargo 200. Known for provocative, unflinching films like Brother and Of Freaks and Men, Balabanov brought his signature raw realism and dark social commentary to this project, crafting one of the most disturbing and politically charged films in post-Soviet Russian cinema.
What does the title Cargo 200 mean?
"Cargo 200" is Soviet military slang for the zinc coffins used to transport the bodies of soldiers killed in Afghanistan back to their families. The term became a grim symbol of the hidden human cost of the Afghan War, and Balabanov uses it as a haunting metaphor throughout the film.
What are similar films to Cargo 200?
If Cargo 200 resonates with you, consider exploring Irreversible (2002), Captain Volkonogov Escaped (2023), and Heavenly Creatures (1994). Fans of intense crime dramas may also enjoy Dirty Harry (1971), Arlington Road (1999), and Heat (1995) for their morally complex portrayals of violence and justice.
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