The year is 1946. World War II is over, but it doesn't mean that there is no one to fight with. The post-war city of Odessa is ruled by serial killer prison-escapees and former Nazi collaborators. Fallen into disfavor, Marshal Zhoukov is sent to Odessa by Joseph Stalin to handle the situation. Together with the head of the local criminal investigation unit, David Gottsman, Zhoukov begins a special operation cleanup post-war Odessa from crime. Watchable, entertaining, almost thrilling… Historically correct and fair plot. I would call it unconventional scenario since all the bad guys are "exposed" from the very beginning, so you wouldn't have to wonder. In addition, the "first lady" appears to be extremely unattractive - the fact that is supposed to sort out all of the "Russian Beauty" hunters. The plot is neither predictable, nor "tough". In case you've "got lost" - they politely "guide" you to follow the "correct direction" in the beginning of each series.<br/><br/>It could have been good, really good, an 8.5 TV series, yet they've messed up with the music. Naturally, they suppose you watch it once in a week. This assumption made them believe that you wouldn't notice, that all in all - these series have only three (3!!!) "melodies" to run… could have done better…<br/><br/>SEVEN AND A HALF… I thoroughly enjoyed the show. It was educational to get into postwar Odessa. The local Jewish slang is definitely the most entertaining part. Check out the show's page at Wikipedia for a list of those great quotes. <br/><br/>Of course, nothing is ever perfect with historical movies. Especially, details. Still, the makers apparently did their best to render the minds and hearts of people on both sides of the regime. Frankly, I was surprised by such fairness. <br/><br/>This is a highly advisable watch for admirers of the Russian/Ukrainian Jewish culture, linguists, and certainly the Odessites themselves. Also, for the fans of Mashkov and Porechenkov like myself.
Bernaperli replied
295 weeks ago