The Russian equivalent of Once upon a Time in America or Scarface with a corporate twist, Oligarkh takes place against the fade of communism and the rise of capitalism, following the entrepreneurial travails of a quintet of well-educated street thugs as they transform their black-market operation into a multi-billion-dollar corporate enterprise. Much of the tale is told in flashback, with each sequence related chronologically to the climactic event that begins the film (à la Citizen Kane): the assassination of the title character, Platon (Vladimir Mashkov). Murder, double-dealings, and political jockeying fill the passing years. Director Pavel Lungin (Taxi Blues) strives for epic status but achieves it only intermittently. Most of the time, the film is mired in its explanation of the oligarchic inner workings of the Kremlin and the convoluted business ventures of the corporation founded by the five comrades. Lungin’s biggest asset is Mashkov, whose steely-eyed magnetism takes the film a long way. Levani Outchaneichvili, as the loyal sergeant at arms, is likewise an imposing presence, and Mariya Mironova treats the eyes as love interest Masha. In Russian with English subtitles. (128 minutes)
BY TOM MEEK
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