Afghan Breakdown (1991)
A Soviet-Italian war drama following battle-hardened paratroopers during the final, fraught withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Afghan Breakdown - Movie Information
- Original Title: Афганский излом
- Release Year: 1991
- Directed by: Vladimir Bortko
- Type: Movie
- Genres: War, Drama, Action
- Runtime: 2h 12m
- Original Language: Russian
- Spoken Languages: Arabic, Italian, Pushto, Russian
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 1, 1991 (France), October 10, 1991 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: Afganskiy Izlom (RU)
- Production Companies: Russkoye Video, Clemi Cinematografica, Lenfilm, Ladoga
- Production Countries: Italy, Soviet Union
Afghan Breakdown - Plot
During the main withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, a company of hardened paratroopers under the command of Major Bandura are joined by Steklov, the son of a high-ranking officer.
Afghan Breakdown - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the conflict unfold:
Afghan Breakdown - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Vladimir Bortko
Main Cast
- Michele Placido
- Tatyana Dogileva
- Mikhail Zhigalov
- Aleksey Serebryakov
- Nina Ruslanova
- Yuriy Kuznetsov
- Viktor Proskurin
- Leonid Kulagin
- Khoshim Rakhimov
- Kiem Yakub
Writers
- Mikhail Leshchinsky
- Leonid Bogachuk
- Aleksandr Chervinsky
- Ada Petrova
Producers
- Alexandr Golutva
- Aleksandr Kapitsa
Afghan Breakdown - FAQs
What is Afghan Breakdown about?
Afghan Breakdown follows a battle-hardened Soviet paratrooper company commanded by Major Bandura during the final withdrawal from Afghanistan. When Steklov, the privileged son of a high-ranking officer, joins their ranks, tensions rise as the men confront the brutal realities of a war winding down but far from over.
Is Afghan Breakdown based on a true story?
Afghan Breakdown is not based on a single true story, but it draws heavily from the real Soviet-Afghan War (1979–1989) and the historical withdrawal of Soviet troops. The film reflects authentic experiences of Soviet soldiers, lending it a grounded, documentary-like credibility that resonated strongly with audiences of the era.
Who directed Afghan Breakdown?
Vladimir Bortko directed Afghan Breakdown. A respected Soviet and Russian filmmaker, Bortko is widely known for his literary adaptations and socially engaged cinema. Afghan Breakdown stands as one of his most internationally recognized works, co-produced between the Soviet Union and Italy.
Who are the main actors in Afghan Breakdown?
The film stars Italian actor Michele Placido as Major Bandura, alongside Tatyana Dogileva, Aleksey Serebryakov, Mikhail Zhigalov, and Nina Ruslanova. The cast blends Soviet and Italian talent, with Placido's casting as the lead being a notable creative choice for this Soviet-Italian co-production.
Why was an Italian actor cast as a Soviet officer?
Michele Placido was cast as Major Bandura largely due to the film's Soviet-Italian co-production nature. Involving a prominent Italian star helped secure international financing and distribution. Placido, already a celebrated actor in Italy, brought strong screen presence to the role and helped the film reach audiences beyond the Soviet Union.
How long is Afghan Breakdown?
Afghan Breakdown runs for 2 hours and 12 minutes. That runtime gives the film room to develop its characters and explore the moral weight of the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, going well beyond a straightforward action picture into more reflective dramatic territory.
How was Afghan Breakdown received by critics?
Afghan Breakdown earned praise for its unflinching portrayal of Soviet soldiers caught in a demoralizing conflict. Critics noted its gritty realism and strong performances, particularly from Michele Placido. The film was recognized as one of the more honest Soviet-era depictions of the Afghan War, arriving at a time of major political change in the USSR.
What are some movies similar to Afghan Breakdown?
If Afghan Breakdown resonated with you, check out The Best in Hell (2022), The Kill Team (2019), Hyena Road (2015), Balkan Line (2019), and Hurricane (2018). These films share similar themes of soldiers navigating morally complex conflicts, blending action with dramatic character studies in wartime settings.
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