First Love|Feb. 07, 2015|Russia|102 Min.|Not Rated
Genre: Drama;Romance
Description: “14+” is a 2015 Russian coming-of-age film that explores the journey of a teenage boy navigating the complexities of adolescence, relationships, and family dynamics. Directed by Andrey Zaytsev, the story focuses on Alex, an inexperienced and innocent teenager portrayed by Gleb Kalyuzhny, as he grapples with his attraction to a girl named Vika, deals with a group of menacing skinhead bullies, and copes with his evolving relationship with his mother, Lyuda. Lyuda, played with a compelling presence, is determined to ensure her son grows up to be respectful and different from the men she has encountered in her life, including Alex’s father.
The film contrasts Alex’s youthful awkwardness and vulnerability with the aggressive, drunken behavior of the bullies, who embody a stereotypical portrayal of toxic masculinity in Russian society. Alex’s pursuit of Vika, though somewhat unsettling in its persistence, evolves into a light-hearted yet tentative teenage romance. Both characters remain caught between childhood and adulthood, aware of their desires but not yet equipped to fully realize them. Their families continue to play a significant role in their lives, highlighting the protective yet inevitable transition into maturity.
Zaytsev skillfully captures the subtle yet transformative moments in Alex’s life, portraying the essence of a boy on the brink of adulthood. However, while the film effectively conveys the complicated journey of adolescence, it falls short in developing its characters with depth, leaving the narrative somewhat superficial. “14+” remains a poignant, if not entirely engrossing, exploration of teenage growth and self-discovery.
Cast director: Andrey Zaytsev
Cast actor: Gleb Kalyuzhny, Ulyana Vaskovich, Olga Ozollapinya, Dmitriy Blokhin, Irina Frolova, Shandor Berkeshi, Vladislav Goryachkin, Dmitry Barinov, Daniil Pikula, Kseniya Pakhomova
Original name: 14+