Guardians

Guardians is a 2021 Russian animated superhero film directed by Oleg Malamud and directed by Vladimir Kozlov. Set in the 1980s during the height of the Cold War, the film is a nostalgic tribute to the classic era of Soviet era super-heroes. The story begins with a glimpse into the daily lives of the heroes who make up the organization called "Patriot". Each member hails from a different Soviet republic, and they all lead relatively normal lives, unaware of their secret identities as super-heroes. Among them is Ivan "USSR-1" Antonov, the self-proclaimed "Soviet Superman", who can fly using advanced jet boots; Semyon "Krasno" Krasnenikov, a genius inventor from Ukraine with the ability to transform trash into useful objects; Masha "Zhizel" Zheleznyakova, a young and agile heroine from Belarus with the power to create and control metal; Tigran "Tygr" Tigranian from Georgia, a skilled martial artist who can increase his strength by consuming various types of food; and Zara "Bumer" Alieva, a skilled driver and mechanic from Azerbaijan with superhuman agility. These heroes were part of a secret organization created by Patriot, a mysterious figure believed to be the brains behind the operation. The group was designed to protect the Soviet Union from internal and external threats, but they had to keep their identities hidden from the public, as the Soviet authorities were wary of any signs of dissent or subversive activities. The heroes' lives take a dramatic turn when their mentor and leader, Patriot, announces that they will no longer be needed. Fearing that they will lose their purpose and identity, the heroes are given a choice - either retire and live out the rest of their lives in obscurity or become active again, but this time, revealing their true identities to the Soviet authorities and the public. The heroes are faced with an impossible situation. They are told that they must come out of retirement and become active once again, but under a new, stricter regime. They must now report directly to the authorities, losing their freedom and autonomy in exchange for recognition and respect. However, this means sacrificing the very thing that made them heroes - their humility and anonymity. The tension within the group comes to a head, as they are forced to decide whether to continue serving as secret heroes or to take a risk and reveal themselves to the world. The decision doesn't come easily, as each hero is torn between their desire to do good and their fear of losing everything they hold dear. In a dramatic twist, the heroes decide to defy Patriot's orders and continue living in the shadows. They return to their secret lives, but they refuse to give up their sense of purpose and identity. The film culminates in a thrilling, action-packed sequence as the heroes take on a powerful villain who seeks to destroy the city and undermine the Soviet authorities. Through its intricate plot and nostalgic setting, Guardians is a tribute to the classic era of Soviet-era superheroes. The film pays homage to the iconic characters of the era, such as the hero Red Star and his arch-nemesis, the Black Cat, but also adds a fresh twist by subverting expectations and creating a complex, nuanced story that defies conventional notions of heroism and patriotism. The film explores the nuances of heroism, patriotism and the human cost of secrets kept and revelations made in a time of ideological tension. Through the characters' struggles and ultimate triumph, Guardians reminds us that true heroism is not just about grand, spectacular feats, but about making difficult choices and standing by one's principles, even when it means going against the tide.