The group “Kurgan i Aggregat” is one of the main and unusual assets of modern Ukrainian music. You probably know it from the line “Don’t you want to? Well, fuck it!” and the characteristic Surzhik, the so-called “Kharkov dialect”. Their simple but catchy melodies are loved by many. Even without music, brothers Amil Nasirov and Ramil Nasirov do not forget to constantly entertain everyone around them. However, “Luxembourg, Luxembourg” is not a purebred comedy, but a real drama of human destinies. In the review below we tell you how the films turned out, as well as how the musicians embodied their images on the screen.
Pros: good combination of comedy and drama; silly but funny humor; interesting and uncomfortable thoughts hidden within the story Cons: the main characters do not always act well; a somewhat strange and drawn-out plot structure that distracts from the main ideas of the movie; Not everyone will like local jokes
“Luxembourg, Luxembourg” / Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Genre tragicomedy
Directed by Antonio Lukic
Cast: Amil Nasirov, Ramil Nasirov, Natalya Gnitiy, Lyudmila Sachenko, Victor Drapilovsky, Doris Maydanyuk, Karina Cherchevich
Premiere cinemas
Release year 2023
IMDb website
The plot of the film centers on two brothers. Vasya (Ramil Nasirov) works as a police officer and is distinguished by his kindness and decency. True, because of this he constantly has problems with money. And his younger brother Kolya (Amil Nasirov) works as a minibus driver. He also sells drugs – and in general does not live particularly according to the law and honor. The brothers barely communicate, but they must unite when news arrives of the imminent death of their long-gone father. To see him for the last time, Vasya and Kolya are forced to leave everything and go to distant and expensive Luxembourg.
“Luxembourg, Luxembourg” is not quite similar to what Ukrainian cinema has been regularly giving us for many years. In part, it resembles in spirit not even a full-length film, but a comedy video for YouTube. Something on the level of the Optimus Gang video and the Nasirov brothers themselves.
The somewhat insane energy of the musicians-actors here is restrained by the directorial and screenwriting talents of Antonio Lukic. It was the author of the movie “My Thoughts Are Quiet” who dealt with the story of two brothers, which quickly turns from an absurd comedy into a touching story about accepting death and trying to let go of family ties.
Not everyone will understand the main ideas of the movie. This is due to the somewhat strange structure of the plot. There is very little of Luxembourg itself in the story, although it would seem that the plot of the plot should be based on a trip to another country through difficulties. But instead, Lukich shows us scenes from the ordinary life of two brothers who are closely intertwined, no matter how much the brothers themselves want the opposite.
Vasya constantly has problems because of Kolya. He cannot even advance higher in the service because of his brother’s dubious affairs. Although he has no direct relation to his illegal activities. In this regard, the film also does a good job of highlighting the bias of Ukrainian modern (and not so modern) society regarding family ties.
Few films can make things truly uncomfortable. But “Luxembourg, Luxembourg” succeeds. Moreover, he hits one of the most vulnerable, but at the same time understandable for everyone, topics – the topic of family.
Family here is not support, care and understanding. On the contrary, it is disappointment and continuous problems. In the film, strangers love each other more than blood relatives. And with hints from history, it seems to tell us that family is sometimes something that needs to be let go.
The authors left such complex thoughts for interpretation by the audience. Nothing is said out loud here. Is it the reflections of the main character, who also serves as the narrator. But his speech is deliberately chaotic and does not make much sense. It’s as if he himself doesn’t understand what moral he should take from everything he’s experienced.
There’s also plenty of humor in “Luxembourg, Luxembourg.” It is simple here and works according to somewhat primitive laws. For example, through the use of swear words in unexpected moments. But it’s stupid to deny that it works. And the loud laughter of many people in the hall once again confirms this.
The Nasirov brothers successfully coped with their roles. In many ways, their close relationships in real life played into their hands here. That’s why they didn’t really “play” brothers, but simply conveyed their real emotions. This is especially noticeable in moments when they need to go a little beyond their images. And then they either overplay or underplay.
And “Luxembourg, Luxembourg” is very well shot. There are plenty of interesting shots and remarkable directorial decisions here. This makes the already almost intimate story of two very different people feel more uncomfortable and poignant.
Conclusion:
“Luxembourg, Luxembourg” doesn’t really focus on its “Ukrainian” elements. Instead, he tells an accessible story that could have happened anywhere in the world. And because of this, it is perceived on a personal level, leaving behind a bitter but memorable aftertaste
