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This is Kazan disassembly: a review of the series "The Word of a Boy"

Thu Jun 26 2025

The Allure and Brutality of Kazan’s Streets: A Review of “The Word of a Boy”

Set against the backdrop of Kazan during the Perestroika era, “The Word of a Boy” plunges into the turbulent lives of its young protagonists. Andrei (Leon Kemstach), a studious and musically inclined boy raised by a single mother (Yulia Alexandrova), finds his life irrevocably altered after a chance encounter with Marat (Ruzil Minekaev), a streetwise tough.

Their paths cross again at school, where Andrei is tasked with tutoring the academically struggling Marat. A bond forms, and Andrei, drawn into Marat’s world, joins a youth gang, navigating a strict hierarchical system. The gang’s activities escalate with the return of Marat’s half-brother, Vova, nicknamed Adidas (Ivan Yankovsky), a hardened veteran of the Afghanistan War.

Ivan Yankovsky in a still from

Ivan Yankovsky in a still from “The Word of a Boy”

“The Word of a Boy,” directed by Zhora Kryzhovnikov, known for “Call DiCaprio!,” stands out as a highly anticipated project. Kryzhovnikov co-wrote the script with Andrei Zolotarev, the mind behind series like “Trigger” and “The 13th Clinical.”

A Glimpse into Kazan’s Criminal Underworld

The series draws inspiration from Robert Garayev’s non-fiction book, “The Word of a Boy. Criminal Tatarstan 1970–2010s,” though the creators emphasize it’s not a direct adaptation. The series delves into the “Kazan phenomenon,” where the city was carved up by youth gangs, each controlling territories and creating an environment where ordinary citizens feared crossing district lines.

One striking scene depicts Adidas’s gang blockading a road, demanding payment from drivers for passage, highlighting the gang’s brazen control.

Unrivaled Authenticity and Attention to Detail

Kryzhovnikov’s series distinguishes itself through its immersive storytelling, intricate plotlines, and meticulous recreation of the era’s atmosphere. Despite filming in Yaroslavl due to restrictions in Tatarstan, the series remains remarkably authentic.

The attention to detail is striking – from the clothing styles of the teenagers to the outdated technology used by the police. The cinematography, with its handheld camera work and close-ups, transports viewers back in time, capturing the raw energy of the youth who reject societal norms and resort to violence. “The Word of a Boy” presents a gritty and realistic portrayal of street warfare.

Ivan Yankovsky in a still from

Ivan Yankovsky in a still from “The Word of a Boy”

A Struggle Against the Tide

The series also explores the efforts to combat juvenile delinquency. Andrei’s mother despairs as she witnesses her son’s transformation. A young policewoman (Anastasia Krasovskaya) and a seasoned law enforcement officer (Anton Vasiliev) attempt to guide Andrei. The series incorporates documentary footage and news reports, blurring the line between fiction and reality.

The Descent into Savagery

Andrei and Marat’s descent into violence evokes a strong emotional response from the audience. The coming-of-age narrative within the late Soviet setting is compelling. The audience experiences Kazan’s criminal world through Andrei’s eyes, as Marat provides a detailed overview of the city’s gangs and their territories.

Ivan Yankovsky in a still from

Ivan Yankovsky in a still from “The Word of a Boy”

A Portrait of a Lost Generation

The series paints a vivid picture of a lost generation. Young people, often fatherless and lacking opportunities, find solace and identity in gangs, rebelling against the world around them. They create their own system, a primitive but appealing and honest structure. Even seemingly good kids like Andrei are drawn in by the allure of power. The series effectively portrays the transformation of teenagers into ruthless figures in a concrete jungle.

A Word of Caution

The series raises concerns about the potential romanticization of violence. While the creators aim to show the progress made since the Perestroika era, the on-screen depiction is undeniably captivating. The series risks becoming a dangerous influence on young viewers.