Got a movie via Netflix called 9th Company, it is Russian made, about paratroopers in Afghanistan (theatrical movie, not documentary). TONS of armor in it, tanks, BTRs, et al, great photography, lots of shots of the armor, and some pretty unusual camo schemes to boot. This movie is obscure as hell but thought some of you guys might like it.

Wow. that sounds cool, Bill. I gotta get that one.

I saw one a long time ago called "The Beast' I think. (It had one of the Baldwins in it if I recall). Russin tank crew in Afghanistan. Very cool.

Chris

That one was called "The Beast of War" with Jason Patric (close enough to a Baldwin). I remember seeing it when it came out and thinking how cool it was to see Russian armor moving and not just in a photo. Haven't seen it in a while though, if I do see it now I wonder if I'll have the same reaction to it as I did with movies and shows like "Red Dawn", "Battle of the Bulge", and "Hogan's Heroes" which I thought were all very cool at the time!

Stephen Baldwin was in it as well. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094716/
I just got Netfix Canada, have to see if they have 9th Co.
Jim

9th Company (Pota-9 in cyrillic) is available in North American format (ntsc) from online Russian DVD stores. It is in Russian with subtitles. It is based on a real unit but the main battle is not as it happened. It is similar to "Full Metal Jacket", in that it starts with the recruits, training, and finally major action.
Incidentally, their main attackers dressed in black were, in the real battle, special forcesof the Pakistan army. A good movie, good feel for the russians in Afgan.
Is the netflix version subtitled or dubbed?

James

Hi James:
The Netflix version gave a choice of English and Russian soundtrack, and also English subtitles. I elected to watch with Russian soundtrack and subtitles. Finished the movie; it was better than what I expected, gives a good insight into the Soviets in Afghanistan, also an idea what our guys are going through over there now. But if you want any inspiration to build Russian armor, this is THE place to be.

it's the story of the 9th company of the 345th ind. airborne regiment during the "Magistral" operation, I first discovered this story after reading Carey Schofields "the russian elite" and then I found Russian articles on the subject.
I really recommend "the russian elite" if you are interested.

Hello All,

As stated by Jamal, 9th Company (9Rota) of the 345th Independent Guards Airborne Regiment (VDV).
Google "hill 3234" for many sources about the actual battle.
Thank you Bill for your reply.

James