Rock and rebellion share identical DNA. From adolescent angst to organized resistance, the music genre has sung backup vocals to more than a few social uprisings in its time. Accompanied by its promises of fame, recklessness, and freedom, rock embodies a lifestyle many seek to lead, and as such, the dream of becoming the prototypical “rockstar” endures to this day.

READ MORE: The Best Films Of 2019… So Far

However, for Mike Naumenko (Roman Bilyk) and Viktor Tsoy (Teo Yoo), the lifestyle of a Russian musician was far from the fantasy of sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll.

Continue reading ‘Leto’: This Russian Rock And Roll Biopic Hits All The Wrong Notes [Review] at The Playlist.

Sometimes the story about a film’s release almost overshadows the film itself. Often, it involves some sort of controversy with a filmmaker, actor, or studio, and people tend to forget the actual content of the film. However, in the case of “Leto,” the story surrounding the film’s release not only adds to the intrigue of the film, but it sheds light on the actual content of the musical drama.

“Leto” tells the true story of Viktor Tsoi, a Russian musician in the 1980s that would go on to form one of the most influential bands in the country’s history, Kino.

Continue reading ‘Leto’ Exclusive Clip: Kirill Serebrennikov’s Soviet-Era Musical Drama Features The Music Of Viktor Tsoi at The Playlist.

The fact that “Leto” is a film that was selected to compete for the Palme d’Or in last year’s Cannes Film Festival should be reason enough why film fans are interested in checking it out. However, the musical biopic from filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov is just as intriguing for the way it was produced.

In the first trailer for “Leto,” you’re introduced to the main idea of the film.

Continue reading ‘Leto’ Trailer: Kirill Serebrennikov Overcame House Arrest To Bring Audiences His Rock Biopic From Cannes at The Playlist.