Citizen X (1995)
Based on the true story of a Russian serial killer who, over many years, claimed victim to over 50 people. His victims were mostly under the age of 17. In what was then a communists state, the police investigations were hampered by bureaucracy, incompetence and those in power. The story is told from the viewpoint of the detective in charge of the case.
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Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.
I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.
It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.
l have two different DVD movie about this most prolific serial killer Chikatilo and Citizen X is the best of them,drives force into a different view of forensic investigation,brings technically more specific things from the back-stages in a closed red country,the killer stay in second plan,it's quite clear in the beginning when the killer is introduced for audience,no secret at all,a powerful casting help to much the high pattern and the status of the movie,however has some disparate points that don't filled the blank according the documentary that come together in the DVD release.Resume: First watch: 2017 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 8
Not so much a horror film, per se. More, a crime docudrama with an anti-soviet propaganda vibe. Based on the story of real life slasher, Russian serial killer, "The Butcher of Rostov"- who killed 52 people, 35 of which were children under the age of 17.It takes place in a rural area of Russia, where children are being found dead in a woodland area next to a communal farm. Someone has being preying on the poor decrepit and weak. Luring them into the woods and killing them.The local forensics analyst is the only one who seems to actually care, so he is promoted to being head detective on the case. According to the film, the Russians believed that serial killers were a specifically western/American phenomenon, and did not want to admit such things were occurring in their state.The bureaucracy is clearly more concerned with exploiting the murders to target the homosexual community. So the man is having a hard time getting anything done amidst the sea of incompetence and arrogance he is forced to wade through.He does actually arrest the guy, after witnessing the man, first hand, talking to children at the railway station he suspects the man uses to target his victims.But, because the man is a Communist party member, they force him to let him go...and the murders continue.It eventually takes a military effort to catch the same guy again. People move up the chain of command. And victims families are left to mourn.Of course they execute him and that's that. But it's a crazy story nonetheless.Interesting film based on a real life horror story. Stars Donald Sutherland, Stephen Rea and Jeffrey DeMunn (as the killer).Definitely worth watching if you are into the whole serial killer thing.6 out of 10.
It's 1982 in Soviet Russia. A serial killer is on the loose but few people care when a dumping ground of 8 bodies is found in the woods. Col. Mikhail Fetisov (Donald Sutherland) puts Viktor Burakov (Stephen Rea) in charge of the investigation despite being only a forensics man. He discovers 7 more bodies in the records of the previous incompetent investigator. Secretary of Ideology Bondarchuk (Joss Ackland) claims that there are no serial killers in the Soviet state since it's a decadent western phenomenon. Burakov is opposed by entrenched ideology, corruption and incompetence. Bondarchuk brings in Gorbunov (John Wood) from Moscow to lead the investigation and hunt down homosexuals. The killer is actually a nobody Andrei Chikatilo (Jeffrey DeMunn) who hunts along the train lines. In 1984, Burakov catches him at a train station but the blood test comes back negative and Bondarchuk gets him out as a good party member. With unending support of his wife (Imelda Staunton), Fetisov, psychiatrist Dr. Alexandr Bukhanovsky (Max von Sydow) and finally Perestroika, Burakov is able to catch Chikatilo in 1990.This is made with superior actors and a fascinating story. It's a great different side of a police procedural. Things don't go their way. The killer isn't caught after a short investigation. The beauty of the movie is Burakov's relentless pursuit. He won't give up despite having little support. Stephen Rea is impressive with a human performance and great supporting actors. The FBI story is heart wrenching. This is a superior TV movie.
it tells the hardship cops endure during work . respect to the cop Viktor Burakov, sometimes we forget what cops suffer personally and professionally to bring justice ..must watchthe emotions and impact the case has on the cop is shown clearly how patience and tireless cops worked to beat a failing system is a tragic tale of justice even in today's world we need more cops like Viktor Burakov,HBO is miles ahead of most TV Channels- deserves a credit to always strive for pioneering work on real stories but please not for the viewers with faint heart .shocking