This is one of my favorite Russian films of the God-awful 90s. There is neither the usual hopelessness for that time, nor cheap philosophizing. The plot revolves around the quiet coup of 1964, when Nikita Khrushchev was replaced by Leonid Brezhnev.

The narrative is divided into two lines that intersect only a couple of times. In one, the higher ranks stipulate the upcoming removal, and Khrushchev is completely unaware of this, and in the second, a KGB officer working in a department beyond the control of the conspirators is trying to prevent a conspiracy.

The actors of the Soviet period coped well with the roles of their former leaders. The conspirators behave like mafia bosses. Their plan is developing gradually but steadily. They are the Gray Wolves indicated in the name. Khrushchev is shown to be a rude, self-confident but idealistic man. Younger actors also played honest Soviet citizens worried about the future of their homeland just as well.

Not all the props and cars correspond exactly to the era, but if you take into account the general state of cinema in Russia at that time, then you don't have to find fault.

Music should be noted separately. The main theme is full of juicy Soviet pathos with subtle folklore inclusions.

Russian cinema is distinguished by its epic scale, philosophical depth, and innovative visual language. It often explores history, ideology, and the human psyche, with a tradition of psychological realism and artistic experimentation. Russian cinema contributed revolutionary theories of editing and later a spiritual approach to film language. It remains known for combining formal experimentation with profound explorations of endurance and belief.

Nikolay Grinko, Aleksandr Kaydanovskiy, and Anatoliy Solonitsyn in Stalker (1979)

The action genre features fast-paced, thrilling, and intense sequences of physical feats, combat, and excitement. The characters of these stories are involved in daring and often dangerous situations, requiring them to rely on their physical prowess, skills, and quick thinking to overcome challenges and adversaries.

The biography, or "biopic", is a genre that portrays the life story of a real person, often a notable individual or historical figure. They aim to provide a depiction of the subject's personal history, achievements, challenges, and impact on society.

Ben Kingsley, Rohini Hattangadi, and Geraldine James in Gandhi (1982)

The history genre features recounting and analyzing past events, societies, cultures, and historical figures. This genre aims to provide insights into the development of civilizations, the causes and consequences of historical events, and the impact of individuals and ideas on the course of history.

In the center of the plot is the removal of Nikita Khrushchev in 1964, which a state security officer is trying to prevent.

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