To Execute or To Pardon

The film is based on real events. The action takes place during one of the meetings of the Commission for Pardons. A petition from a young man, who killed two people, is being reviewed, one of whom was the son of an influential person. At the same time, in the correctional facility where he is serving his sentence, a hostage situation unfolds (another real case, supported by documentary footage included in the film). In such an environment—one of psychological pressure—the members of the Commission must make the right decision...

Directed by Mikhail Apartsev, Alexey Kozyrev, To Execute or To Pardon leans on a strong ensemble — Valeriy Degtyar, Anastasiya Melnikova, Sergey Koshonin — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2007.