Masha (2020 film)

Masha is a 2020 Russian crime drama film directed by Anastasia Palchikova. The film follows the story of Masha, a young woman with a dark past as a child assassin working for the Russian mafia in the 1990s.

Plot:

The film shifts between Masha's present life in Moscow, where she is trying to live a normal life and pursue a musical career, and flashbacks to her childhood. These flashbacks reveal her upbringing within a group of ruthless criminals who treated her as a daughter and taught her their deadly skills. As Masha attempts to escape her past, the remnants of her former life begin to resurface, threatening her newfound freedom and forcing her to confront the violence she once knew.

Themes:

Masha explores themes of trauma, redemption, and the long-lasting impact of childhood experiences. It delves into the complexities of morality and questions whether individuals can truly escape their past. The film also touches upon themes of found family and the blurred lines between right and wrong in a criminal underworld.

Reception:

The film received mixed reviews, with praise for its atmospheric cinematography and strong performances, particularly from the lead actress, Anya Chipovskaya. However, some critics found the narrative structure and pacing to be uneven. Masha was nominated for awards at various film festivals.

Cast (Partial List):

• Anya Chipovskaya as Masha
• Maksim Sukhanov
• Sergey Dvoynikov
• Irina Martynenko