The Russian drama 'The Word of a Guy. Blood on the Asphalt' achieved a convincing victory at the Richmond International Film Festival, surpassing 170 works from around the world. The project impressed both audiences and critics, and was also acquired by foreign platforms.
Success of the Series at the Global Festival
The Russian drama 'The Word of a Guy. Blood on the Asphalt' achieved a convincing victory at the Richmond International Film Festival, surpassing 170 works from around the world. The project impressed both audiences and critics, and was also acquired by foreign platforms.
Main Award of RIFF
Georgy Kryzhovnikov's creation won in the Best of Festival for Episodic category, becoming the strongest among all presented series. For 'The Word of a Guy', this is the first major international award, highlighting interest in the Russian project beyond the country's borders.
Scale of Participation
This year, RIFF presented 170 films and episodes from over 20 countries. As noted by Orpheus Radio, the festival, held for the 14th time, maintains its reputation as a platform for world film premieres.
Interest from the Foreign Industry
Previously, the series was showcased at international film markets, where it caught the attention of industry representatives from the UAE, India, Oman, Turkey, and South Korea. Broadcasting rights have already been sold to Brazil, Mongolia, and Balkan countries. There, the show has successfully aired and received positive audience feedback.
Ratings from Global Critics
The Economist noted the "high level of direction and powerful drama" of the series, emphasizing that "the darkest scenes, filled with violence, do not turn into propaganda."
The New York Times writes: "A grim nihilistic show that Russians can't tear themselves away from. The streaming hit 'The Word of a Guy' about teenage gangs in the late Soviet period grimly reflects the mood in the country."
Image of the Main Character
Andrey, the central character of the story, is presented as an almost inconspicuous figure — a "blank slate" with "puffy lips and deeply set eyes." His appearance resembles Justin Bieber without tattoos, and the emphasized emotional coldness makes his character even more contradictory. Even care for his family does not evoke clear sympathy from the audience.
