Cast
View AllOleg Fomin
as Валентин Мукасей
Mariya Selyanskaya
as Алиса (сестра Валентина Мукасея, наркоманка)
Vyacheslav Baranov
as Глазков
Aleksandr Martynov
as Лёня
Ernst Romanov
as Виктор Михайлович
Anatoli Lukyanenko
as Шпак ("скорая помощь" для наркоманов)
Igor Slobodskoy
as Фархат
Sharif Kabulov
as Назарбек
Konstantin Shamin
as спортсмен
Valeri Sheptekita
as врач-нарколог
Valentina Ilyashenko
as Валентина
Viktor Plyut
as Кролик
Volodymyr Kostiuk
as участковый
Zakirzhan Muminov
as Саид
Petro Beniuk
as Коренастый
Crew
Director
- Anatoliy Ivanov
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Junk examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Anatoliy Ivanov brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1990, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Junk took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 137 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 35 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1990, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Junk shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Panic in Needle Park, which focuses more on action than character development, Junk offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Expendables and Save Me explore similar territory, Junk stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 25, 1990
- Runtime: 1h 32m