Painful Hold

Almost immediately after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the era of "market relations"begins. Capitalism is re-emerging in the country. It is time for redistribution of property and spheres of influence between criminal groups. War breaks out between gangs, in the ranks of which are often former athletes. Especially appreciated are those who have the skills of martial arts. At this time, a group of children who profess a rare kind of hand-to-hand fighting, called "Russian style", comes to one provincial city. Their appearance greatly alarmed the leaders of the two rival gangs controlling the city. They are trying to get these valuable fighters into their ranks. In the course of going any means, and the guys are forced to defend themselves.

Directed by Georgiy Kuznetsov, Painful Hold leans on a strong ensemble — Aleksei Kadochnikov, Andrey Rapoport, Vadim Zajtsev — 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 action titles of 1992.