Mirazh (2008) Reviews

• Poor replica of the "Beloe solntse pustyni"

  piverba2008-09-02

  Since the 1973 release of western's classic "Beloe solntse pustini" (Desert's White Sun, directed by Vladimir Motyl) a Russian version of Sergio Leoni or Clint Eastwood kind of westerns, there were many imitations, none of which come close to the original. In fact "Beloe solntse pustini" is Russian western that favorably compares with the best. Mirazh is a poor replica of those great originals. Dmitri Maryanov is consistently miscast as an action hero despite of his kind and soft features and gentle demeanor. He's versatile actor but his best roles still await him. The plot is primitive, predictable and tired. Typically sinister Arabs are forcing innocent girls into prostitution also trafficking cocaine. Two Russian youths are stranded in desert and unwittingly become their defenders. Bad Arabs loose and Russians, assisted by the police, win. This film is not the Oskar candidate.