Is Манга Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Манга is likely a skip if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 70 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Манга Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2005, Манга emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller, Drama, Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of This is a fractured tale of Kiwi (Iaroslav Zhalnin), a teen thief with a penchant for driving his motorcycle into traffic, playing video games and turning invisible; Alisa (Vasilisa Petina), a young model whose face is splashed all over city billboards and ads, with whom Kiwi grows fixated; and Alik (Khazizov), a metrosexual writer who roller-skates in his cavernous hard-wood-floored apartment and plucks a drunken Alisa after her fateful encounter with Kiwi. Unlike standard genre fare, Манга attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Pyotr Khazizov, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Thriller elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Манга features a noteworthy lineup led by Vasilisa Petina. Supported by the likes of Yaroslav Zhalnin and Elena Medvedeva, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Vasilisa Petina, Yaroslav Zhalnin, Elena Medvedeva manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2005 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Thriller, Drama, Comedy space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Манга is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Манга follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 70 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Манга resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Thriller landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 4/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Манга is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. This is a fractured tale of Kiwi (Iaroslav Zhalnin), a teen thief with a penchant for driving his motorcycle into traffic, playing video games and turning invisible; Alisa (Vasilisa Petina), a young model whose face is splashed all over city billboards and ads, with whom Kiwi grows fixated; and Alik (Khazizov), a metrosexual writer who roller-skates in his cavernous hard-wood-floored apartment and plucks a drunken Alisa after her fateful encounter with Kiwi. Alik, responding to Alisa’s pleas, eventually confronts the pestering Kiwi; a misunderstanding (did he rape her? did he not?) erupts into violence.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Манга (2005) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 4/10 and strong performance metrics in the Thriller, Drama, Comedy categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Vasilisa Petina, Yaroslav Zhalnin, Elena Medvedeva or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Манга is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2005. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Манга Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $520,000 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Манга has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Thriller, Drama, Comedy), viewers should expect mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4/10, and global collection metrics, Манга stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2005 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Манга movie hit or flop?
Манга is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4/10 and lower collections.
Is Манга worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4/10, Манга may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Манга online?
Манга may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Synopsis
This is a fractured tale of Kiwi (Iaroslav Zhalnin), a teen thief with a penchant for driving his motorcycle into traffic, playing video games and turning invisible; Alisa (Vasilisa Petina), a young model whose face is splashed all over city billboards and ads, with whom Kiwi grows fixated; and Alik (Khazizov), a metrosexual writer who roller-skates in his cavernous hard-wood-floored apartment and plucks a drunken Alisa after her fateful encounter with Kiwi. Alik, responding to Alisa’s pleas, eventually confronts the pestering Kiwi; a misunderstanding (did he rape her? did he not?) erupts into violence.