Is Leader Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1980)

📖 The Core Premise

Leader stands as a 1980 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Adventure landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "A group of geologists was landed in the taiga. But the guys can’t work - they gave them the wrong bits for the equipment by mistake. And the radio doesn’t work, and the helicopter is expected only in two months. And the squad leader, a young guy named Dmitry Alekseevich Ryabtsev, makes a decision - he alone goes to the nearest detachment. By taiga standards, this is not far - 20 kilometers. But when he returns, he discovers that his squad has left the camp."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Leader, even the presence of Vadim Gushchin struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Adventure. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Leader worth your time? If you appreciate Adventure films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Leader misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 29 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.