The Needle is a 1988 Soviet drama film directed by Rashid Nugmanov. The film is set in the late 1980s in a small town in Kazakhstan, where a young musician named Moro has returned after serving in the Soviet Army. Moro, who is played by Viktor Tsoy - the lead singer of the popular Soviet rock band Kino, is seeking refuge from his troubled past and hoping to find a new beginning.
Moro's arrival in the town coincides with a nationwide heroin epidemic, and soon he finds himself caught up in the drug trade. Despite his efforts to stay clean and stay out of trouble, Moro becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the local police, who are on a mission to shut down the drug trade.
Along the way, Moro meets a beautiful nurse named Dina, played by Marina Smirnova, who becomes the focus of his affections. Their budding romance is complicated by Moro's addiction to heroin and the danger that surrounds him.
The Needle explores themes of addiction, redemption, and the clash between traditional Soviet values and the emerging youth culture of the late 1980s. The film features a memorable performance by Tsoy, who brings a raw intensity to his portrayal of Moro. His performance is matched by Smirnova, who imbues her character with a quiet strength and vulnerability that make her a captivating screen presence.
The film is supported by an evocative soundtrack, featuring music from Tsoy's band Kino as well as other Soviet rock groups of the era. The music adds a sense of urgency and energy to the film, capturing the spirit of the Soviet underground music scene and the rebellious youth culture that was emerging at the time.
Overall, The Needle is a powerful and moving film that explores complex themes with honesty and empathy. Its portrayal of addiction and the human cost of the heroin epidemic is as relevant today as it was in 1988, and Tsoy's magnetic performance cements his status as one of the most iconic figures of Soviet rock music.
The Needle is a 1989 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.
