The Criminal Quartet

The Criminal Quartet

Year: 1990

Runtime: 85 mins

Language: Russian

Director: Aleksandr Muratov

ActionAdventureCrime

When a mafia group abducts the young son of an investigator who has uncovered a series of large‑scale thefts at a local shoe factory, he enlists the aid of three longtime friends, two police officers and a newspaper reporter. Together they race against time to free his child while also bringing the criminal operation to justice.

The Criminal Quartet (1990) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at The Criminal Quartet (1990) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a cramped industrial city where the clatter of factories masks deeper secrets, an unsettling investigation uncovers a tangled web of fraud hidden behind the walls of a local shoe plant. The discovery sets off a chain of pressure that reaches into the personal lives of those who dared to look too closely, turning ordinary streets into a pressure‑cooked backdrop for a desperate rescue.

When his eight‑year‑old son is seized, the shaken investigator Semen Portnov turns to the only people he trusts completely—friends forged in the harsh halls of an orphanage and tempered by years of shared hardship. He calls on the steady, methodical mind of Marat Mukhanov, a police officer whose sense of duty is matched only by his loyalty to old comrades. Beside him stands Pyotr Saraev, another officer whose resolve is hardened by countless nights on the beat, while Nikolai Larin, a journalist with a knack for digging through layers of deception, adds the sharp edge of public scrutiny.

Their reunion is less a reunion than a convergence of purpose; each brings a distinct skill that, together, forms a fragile shield against the looming threat. The bond among the quartet pulses with a mix of nervous humor and solemn determination, a reminder that years apart have not eroded the trust forged in their shared past. As the clock ticks, the atmosphere tightens, hinting at a race against time where every second could tip the balance between loss and salvation.

The film’s tone walks a tightrope between gritty thriller and intimate drama, drawing viewers into a world where loyalty is tested, ordinary professions become weapons of hope, and the simple promise to protect a child fuels an unyielding pursuit of justice.

Last Updated: December 03, 2025 at 23:39

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Urgent rescue thrillers like The Criminal Quartet

Stories where a ticking clock forces desperate, swift action to avert disaster.If you enjoyed the desperate race against the clock in The Criminal Quartet, you'll find similar tension in these movies. This list features high-stakes thrillers and action films where a kidnapping or imminent threat forces a rapid, strategic response against a powerful antagonist, all driven by a singular, urgent goal.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern is linear and goal-oriented, with a clear inciting incident that establishes a deadline. The story unfolds through a series of escalating challenges and set pieces as the protagonists work methodically against the clock, culminating in a final confrontation where the outcome hinges on beating the timer.

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Movies are grouped here based on their shared high-intensity pacing, tense tone, and a plot structure defined by a literal or figurative countdown. They deliver a specific kind of anxiety and exhilaration, making the viewer feel the pressure along with the characters.

Team-based crime stories like The Criminal Quartet

Films where a group of skilled allies unites for a singular, dangerous objective.For viewers who liked the camaraderie and coordinated effort of the quartet in The Criminal Quartet, this list highlights similar movies. These are crime, action, and adventure films where a group of experts—police, reporters, soldiers—pool their unique talents to overcome a formidable adversary through teamwork.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows the formation of the team, establishing each member's distinct role and expertise. The plot then revolves around them working in concert, with their combined skills allowing them to overcome obstacles that would be insurmountable for a lone hero. The emotional core is often the loyalty and trust between the characters.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their focus on ensemble casts with specialized roles, a methodical approach to problem-solving, and the thematic importance of loyalty and collaboration. They offer a satisfying blend of strategic action and character-driven dynamics.

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The Criminal Quartet Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Criminal Quartet

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Criminal Quartet

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