Morphine

Synopsis

Morphine is a 2008 Russian drama film directed by Aleksey Balabanov, based on the novel of the same name by Mikhail Bulgakov. The story follows a young doctor, Polozov, played by Leonid Bichevin, who becomes addicted to morphine after being wounded while serving as a military doctor during World War I. As he struggles with his addiction, Polozov's life spirals out of control, leading to a downward spiral of despair and self-destruction. The film explores themes of addiction, love, and the search for meaning in a world filled with suffering and loss. With stunning cinematography and a powerful performance by Bichevin, Morphine is a haunting and poignant tale of one man's battle with his inner demons.

Cast

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  Leonid Bichevin

  Doctor Mikhail Alekseyevich Polyakov

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  Ingeborga Dapkūnaitė

  Anna Nikolayevna

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  Andrei Panin

  Medical Assistant Anatoliy Lukich Demiyanenko

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  Svetlana Pismichenko

  Pelageya Ivanovna

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  Katarina Radivojević

  Ekaterina Karlovna

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  Aleksandr Mosin

  Vlas

Reviews

Morphine has garnered mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its dark and mesmerizing portrayal of addiction, while others found it to be overly bleak and depressing. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a solid rating of 78%, with critics calling it 'a raw and uncompromising look at the destructive power of addiction.' IMDb users have rated it 7.2/10, with many highlighting Bichevin's standout performance and the film's haunting atmosphere. Metacritic, on the other hand, has a lower rating of 55%, with critics noting its slow pacing and lack of emotional depth. Despite the mixed reviews, Morphine is a thought-provoking and intense exploration of addiction that leaves a lasting impact on viewers.