Sputnik

Filme de terror de ficção científica americano com um pseudo-intruso numa estação de investigação militar no deserto no Cazaquistão (ano de 1983), concebido pelos russos como um drama humano sobre um astronauta infetado com um parasita e uma cientista que o quer ajudar porque se apaixona por ele. Mas com visual americano, clichés de género e personagens arquetípicas que já conhecemos de outros lugares (um coronel comandante desumano, um cientista entusiasta com consciência, etc.). A produção é boa e os atores são bons, mas a experiência visual é sem surpresas e ligeiramente aborrecida. (11/10/2020)

A solid Russian sci-fi film with a nice main monster. After crashing in orbit, a cosmonaut brings back something alien from outer space and is imprisoned, examined and tested. At first glance the film seemed like it was going to be a rip-off of Alien, but the Russians go their own way and it's fine. The film is suspenseful and atmospheric rather than action packed (three scenes had me holding my breath nicely), and there was some gore, with one scene being downright delicious – I watched it three times immediately. The film is of course also on a great technical level, the thumping music is excellent, which adds to the cramped atmosphere, and I enjoyed the actors as well. Similarly-tuned genre films come out once a year with luck, so despite the minor flaws (the creature could have done more mischief) I'm happy with this one. Story***, Action***, Humor>No, Violence***, Entertainment****, Music****, Visuals****, Atmosphere****, Suspense****.7.5/10. (21/05/2020)

I enjoyed this film about a Soviet encounter with a space parasite (or symbiote) a lot. I managed to see past the logic holes this time, thus being able to enjoy the whole thing without suffering any cultural shock from not hearing the otherwise ubiquitous English. Plus, to my surprise, I found that I didn't need subtitles all that much, I even sometimes noticed inaccuracies in them. So, for various reasons, I'm giving it four stars. (12/08/2020)