Pu-239 (HBO)

About Pu-239 (HBO)

The movie "Pu-239," also known as "The Half Life of Timofey Berezin," is a 2006 film directed by Scott Z. Burns and produced by HBO. This movie is a poignant tale of desperation and sacrifice that combines crime and drama genres. The plot revolves around nuclear plant worker Timofey Berezin, who is exposed to a deadly dose of radiation during a mishap in the plant. Faced with an imminent death and with limited time, he embarks on a desperate quest to secure the future of his family, diving deep into the underbelly of criminal Russia.

Making / Production

Scott Z. Burns, a screenplay writer known for his works like "The Bourne Ultimatum" and "Contagion", marks his directorial debut with "Pu-239." The film was produced with HBO Films and Beacon Pictures. The movie, shot in Romania and Russia, was applauded for its gritty and authentic portrayal of post-soviet Russia.

Actors

• Paddy Considine as Timofey: Considine's poignant and arresting portrayal of Timofey's desperation and determination forms the heart of the film.
• Oscar Isaac as Shiv: Isaac, who would later gain fame for his roles in Star Wars, stands out with his layered performance as a street smart hustler.
• Radha Mitchell as Marina Berezin: Mitchell delivers a powerful performance as Berezin's worried wife, who remains unaware of his predicament.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This film was Oscar Isaac's first collaboration with the production house HBO, with whom he later made the critically acclaimed "Show Me a Hero."
• Despite its dark theme and dramatic hues, the movie has elements of black comedy.

Awards

No awards were won by the film.

Quotes

• "When you kill a man, you're not deciding anything. You're merely ... realigning his biology."
• "In the end, it is easier to fix the past than to fix the future."

Music, Soundtrack

• "Sleep" by Soap Kills
• "Schubert's Ave Maria" performed by Sumi Jo