Is Preliminary Investigation Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1979)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Crime cinema, the 1979 release of Preliminary Investigation stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Far Eastern policeman Serezhkin, the hero of the movies "The Master of the Taiga" and "The Missing Witness", is now a captain. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Crime are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Far Eastern policeman Serezhkin, the hero of the movies "The Master of the Taiga" and "The Missing Witness", is now a captain. This time he investigates a complex case of missing rafts with wood, about the fight loggers with foreman Chubatov and a fire at the timber warehouse. All three cases are in one bundle: the intruders are trying to blame everything on the foreman. But Serezhkin is an experienced detective to figure it all out and save an honest man from prison."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Valeriy Zolotukhin provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Andrei Razumovsky is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its N/A minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Preliminary Investigation truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Crime, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Preliminary Investigation explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1979 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Andrei Razumovsky respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Preliminary Investigation is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Valeriy Zolotukhin or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Preliminary Investigation is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.