14

14+ is a compelling Russian romantic drama directed by Andrei Zaitsev that was released in 2015.

The film revolves around the tumultuous yet moving world of adolescent love, defying limitations and giving an insightful look into the world of modern teenagers. It's a poignant and engaging narrative that will certainly resonate with audiences of all ages. This movie is considered one of the successful works of Zaitsev, known for his adept storytelling and ability to portray real-life situations with conviction.

The plot centers on two central characters, Vika (Ulyana Vaskovich) and Alex (Gleb Kalyuzhnyy), who both are 14-year-old and madly in love. This touching and realistic love story unfolds in Moscow's suburban landscape, consisting of school, parks, rooftops, and public transport, really capturing the genuine essence of teenagers in today's contemporary society.

Alex is the shy new kid in school who only dreams of a quiet and peaceful life, away from the everyday bullying he has grown accustomed to. His character is portrayed as someone who is longing for an escape from the world that seems harsh and full of constant battles. Gleb Kalyuzhnyy gives an honest and sympathetic portrait of a teen who is trying to navigate his way through adolescence's tough currents.

Vika (Ulyana Vaskovich), on the other hand, is the popular girl in school. She's the dream of every boy in the class, oozing confidence and charm that appeal to her peers. With her persona, she is the opposite of Alex, but life is not as trouble-free as it seems to be. Like Alex, she's coping with her share of challenges and personal struggles. Despite her popular facades, she seeks genuine emotions and escape from her dull, troublesome, and monotonous life.

Their world collides when circumstances bring them together, and they find solace in each other. Both develop an intimate connection that draws them closer, a bond that seems to provide them with the understanding they long for, a release from their own harsh realities. It's a deep exploration of their unpretentious and innocent love, adolescence and its trials, triumphs, and tribulations, offering a touching portrait of young love that is likely to stir deep emotions.

Any teenager who watches this movie will witness vivid similarities to their own growing pains. It's not just love; it's about growing up, dealing with societal norms and expectations, masquerading behind personalities that might not reflect who they truly are, and the quest for understanding the tumultuous phase called adolescence.

The character performances are impressive in this film. Gleb Kalyuzhnyy and Ulyana Vaskovich did an exceptional job of depicting the trials and trivialities of teenage life. Their performances are quite compelling, giving depth to their characters and making them relatable to the audience. Olga Ozollapinya adds depth to the film's character ensemble with her impactful performance, further enhancing the movie's overarching narrative.

The movie also excels visually with strong cinematography giving it a concrete sense of place. The urban landscape of Moscow's suburban environment is captured impressively, providing a fitting backdrop for this heartfelt narrative and aiding in immersing the audience into the story depths. Aiding the visuals is the screenplay, which creates an environment both immediately familiar and yet distanced enough to provide a necessary separation from the typical western perspective of teen life.

14+ is a top-notch portrayal of modern teenage life, representing youth's essence with all its anxieties and fears, hopes and dreams. It is a cinematic journey through the trials of growing up, understanding and empathizing with the complexities teenagers face in the contemporary world. Neutralizing any cultural boundaries, it resonates with each viewer, reminding us all about an essential developmental phase we all go through. This movie is a testament to the high-quality cinema emerging from the Russian filmmaking industry and serves as a powerful narrative that mesmerizes the audience with its compelling and relatable portrayal of adolescent life.