The Criminal Quartet

In May 1989, the film unfolds in the waning days of the Soviet Union, a period of perestroika-era reforms and rising social tensions. The investigation runs parallel to a climate of corruption and reform, where ordinary citizens seek accountability. The urgency of Anton's kidnapping heightens risk-taking and moral choices as the city moves toward change.

Set in a late-Soviet city centered on a shoe factory. The factory's warehouse, a rail yard, and a water treatment plant become pivotal locations as the plan unfolds. The urban environment highlights the era's corruption and the resilience of ordinary people.

🤝 Friendship

The four old friends reunite under pressure, putting aside personal histories to save a child. They coordinate dangerous moves and rely on one another’s strengths to outmaneuver the criminals. Their solidarity becomes the engine driving the mission forward. The film uses their camaraderie to humanize the fight against corruption.

⚖️ Justice

The plot centers on rooting out corruption in the local shoe factory. Portnov’s investigation exposes a pattern of fraud affecting shipments of defective goods. The group counters intimidation and crime with direct action and persistence. Accountability emerges through a blend of courage and strategic leverage.

💪 Courage

Characters risk their safety and confront dangerous criminals to rescue Anton. The plan requires nerve in the face of threats, including kidnappings and confrontations at the water treatment plant. The climax tests personal resolve and collective bravery. The movie frames courage as essential to challenging entrenched corruption.

📰 Truth & Media

Larin’s investigative journalism exposes the substandard shoes and draws criminals out of hiding. The film highlights the power of truth-telling in uncovering corruption. Even under threat, the journalist’s commitment fuels the pursuit of accountability. Media acts as a catalyst that compels action from authorities and criminals alike.