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5 reasons to watch GDR, the new Russian spy series

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One of the most resonant TV show premieres of this past winter was the action-packed spy drama ‘GDR’ set in 1989 about the intelligence struggle on the eve of the fall of the Berlin Wall. According to the plot, the main character, a KGB agent, turns out to be a witness and even a participant in historical events that changed world history. The Cold War has not been filmed with such a budget and on such a scale in Russia for a long time.

1. Retro spy movies are back in fashion. And Berlin is one of the most popular locations

Sergey Popov/Russian World Studios, 2024

The spy thriller genre never really died – thanks mainly to both the Bond franchise, which has not left the screen for more than 60 years, and Jason Bourne (a much younger franchise – the first movie was released in the early 2000s). However, along with “modern” examples of the genre, where the action takes place in the modern day, retro spy dramas about the Cold War remain popular.

Moreover, perhaps the preferred location of such movies and series remains Berlin. You may recall, for example, three seasons of the TV show ‘Deutschland 83’, ‘Deutschland 86’, ‘Deutschland 89’ (2015-2020), the drama ‘Bridge of Spies’ (2015) by Steven Spielberg and the action movie ‘Atomic Blonde’ (2017) with Charlize Theron. And there is nothing to be surprised about the success of Berlin – the city, divided into “Soviet” and “Western” halves, naturally became the arena of battles for the special services. It’s even strange that a Russian series on such a fertile topic is only now being released.

2. ‘GDR’ talks about perestroika, like the recent hit TV show ‘The Boy’s Word’

Sergey Popov/Russian World Studios, 2024

The Soviet past is one of the most popular topics for Russian TV. However, it was precisely the last period in the history of the USSR (1985-1991) that was long ignored by filmmakers. The attention of the world audience to perestroika was, of course, attracted by the hit British-American ‘Chernobyl’ (2019), which retells the story of the infamous accident at the notorious nuclear power plant. Specifically for the Russian viewer, the recent local hit ‘The Boy’s Word’ (2023) was probably a milestone. The saga of Soviet youth gangs broke all possible viewing records and became the No. 1 topic in public discussion for months.

The plot of ‘GDR’ (by the way, the producers of ‘A Boy’s Word’ are also among its creators) mainly takes place in the same 1989.

3. In the series, historical events are surprisingly intertwined with fiction

Sergey Popov/Russian World Studios, 2024

‘GDR’, of course, cannot be called an exercise in the genre of alternative history – the scriptwriters still preserved the basic events of the era, but they took a very creative approach to their explanation and interpretation.

For example, already in the prologue, we learn about the famous flight of German amateur pilot Matthias Rust, who, in May 1987, flew on a light aircraft from Hamburg to Moscow and landed on the Bolshoy Moskvoretsky Bridge next to the Red Square. Soviet air defense forces refused to shoot down the civilian plane, but were unable to force it to land prior to reaching the capital. As a result, the image of the USSR as a military superpower suffered greatly.

According to the authors of the TV show, Rust’s flight was not just a prank of a young guy, but a special operation by the CIA – they had planted a bacteriological weapon on board with him. If Rust were shot down, an outbreak of epidemic proportions could have occurred, but the main character of the series – the fictional KGB agent Alexander Nechaev – manages to warn his colleagues about the provocation, so Rust successfully completes the flight.

4. For the first time, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev is one of the main characters

Sergey Popov/Russian World Studios, 2024

The last leader of the USSR, of course, regularly appeared in movies. But, only in ‘GDR’ did Gorbachev become one of the main characters – his role was played by actor Vitaly Kovalenko, who, thanks to his textured appearance, often plays historical characters. He has already played Vladmir Lenin, Lavrentiy Beria, Pyotr Stolypin and even Napoleon Bonaparte.

However, champions of historical truth will be clearly disappointed when they watch ‘GDR’. The on-screen Gorbachev is very far from his historical prototype and rather illustrates the popular myths of those years. In particular, there was a popular rumor at the time that the country was not actually run by the General Secretary, but by his wife.

Until Raisa Gorbacheva, there, indeed, were no “first ladies” in the USSR, who did not get lost against the background of their husbands and were active in public life. In ‘GDR’, the relationship between the Gorbachevs turns into a tragicomedy – Raisa (played by Madeleine Dzhabrailova) continuously tells her husband in the slightest detail what he should do.

5. The Red Army Faction & the Friedrichstadtpalast music hall play an important role in the plot

Sergey Popov/Russian World Studios, 2024

In addition to Gorbachev, there are other real political figures among the characters – for example, Erich Honecker, General Secretary of the SED Central Committee. He is also played by a Russian actor (Anatoly Bataev). The role of Berlin itself was played by the Russian cities of Kaliningrad and Vyborg, but the general panoramas were actually filmed in the German capital – for example, you can repeatedly see the city’s famous TV tower on the screen.

For the series, the authors decided to recreate – however, quite freely – some performances of Berlin’s Friedrichstadtpalast music hall. Its prima donna, the classic fatal blonde Ingrid, is a main character in ‘GDR’. The viewer will even find themselves on the set of one of the famous East German westerns about the Indian Chingachgook. This is where the plot takes one of the characters, an American singer and actor, who was clearly based on Dean Reed, a real left-wing musician who lived and worked in East Germany.

And, of course, what political plot about Cold War Germany would be complete without the Red Army Faction, a left-wing terrorist organization that terrorized West Germans for decades. In ‘GDR’, it quickly turns out that the Red Army Faction is also directly involved in the big espionage intrigue between the KGB, Stasi and CIA.

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Announcements

Ring in the New Year on Dubai’s waters: Abra, Taxi & Ferry with Atlantis views

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As Dubai residents and tourists gear up to celebrate New Year, they can ring in 2025 with celebrations in the waters of the emirate.

The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai has announced special offers and exclusive services during the New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2024, on marine transport means including the Dubai Ferry, the Abra, and the Water Taxi.

Passengers can enjoy views of the Burj Khalifa, Bluewaters, Atlantis, Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Towers. Residents can cruise into 2025 aboard the Dubai Ferry, Water Taxi, and Abra, with the backdrop of the Dubai coastline, adorned with hotels, heritage areas and landmarks such as The World Islands.

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Dubai Safari to introduce extended hours for night safaris

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Timings at the Dubai Safari Park will be extended this winter season, allowing visitors to experience the attraction at night. Evening visitors will be able to observe changes in the animals’ behaviour as the night deepens. The park’s lions will roar more, the usually elusive pygmy hippos will be more active and the predatory instincts of carnivores primed for nocturnal hunting will intensify.

The night safari timings of 6pm to 8pm will be applicable for a limited period—from December 13 to January 12. Tickets will be sold on the park’s website starting from December 11.

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The extended hours will include two night safaris led by wildlife guides. Visitors can “expect to catch” a glimpse of the night-time routines of over 90 species, “besides participating in interactive activities involving animals”, the park’s operator said. The safari will host live performances, including an African fire show and a neon display. Visitors will be able to observe and study the animals’ natural adaptations at night, which include enhanced night vision, echolocation, and a heightened sense of smell and hearing.

Ahmad Al Zarouni, director of Public Parks and Recreational Facilities at Dubai Municipality, said, “With the introduction of the unique night safari, we are excited to reveal a new perspective on the world of wildlife after dark. This experience offers a rare opportunity to explore hidden aspects of life in the wild and learn about our constant efforts to enhance animal welfare, by day and by night.”

The extended timings are being offered amid the country’s peak tourist season.

According to the Dubai Safari Park, “well-considered measures” are in place to ensure that the ecosystem and animals’ natural routines remain undisturbed during the night safaris. “Only nocturnally active species will be part of the safari experience, allowing guests to observe them in their most natural state.”

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Dubai to ring in UAE National Day with week-long celebrations

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As the UAE prepares to celebrate its 53rd National Day, residents can look forward to a long weekend, with a 4-day break for most and an extended 5-day holiday for those in Sharjah.

From November 28 to December 3, Dubai will come alive with Eid Al Etihad festivities, featuring shopping deals, acrobatic performances, musical shows, fireworks, and culinary delights.

Culinary Experiences

Dubai’s restaurants and cafes will offer exclusive tasting menus, limited-time promotions, and events celebrating Emirati flavors with global twists. Emirati Eats will showcase a variety of traditional and fusion dishes at leading eateries across the city.

Music and Concerts

The festivities kick off on November 28 with Jalsat Moments at Coca-Cola Arena, featuring a stellar lineup of Arab artists, including Ayed Yousef, Eida Al Menhali, Nabeel Shuail, and Abdulaziz Al-Duwaihi.

On December 2, Dubai Festival City Mall will host a live concert by Aryam and Faisal Al Jasim, while City Walk will showcase a performance by Mohamed Al Shehhi, supported by a 10-member band, from 8 pm to 9 pm.

Fireworks

Spectacular firework displays will light up the city skies at these locations:

December 1, 8 pm: Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR

December 2, 8 pm: Hatta Sign

December 2, 9.10 pm: Dubai Festival City Mall

December 3, 9 pm: Al Seef

Shopping and Family Activities

From November 29 to December 3, shoppers can enjoy discounts on perfumes, jewelry, fashion, footwear, homeware, and apparel across the city. Traditional bands, family-friendly activities, and performances will create vibrant atmospheres at City Centre Mirdif and Ibn Battuta Mall.

Acrobatic Acts and Performances

On December 2, City Walk will host fabric dancers, acrobats, flag bearers, and traditional bands from 4 pm to 6 pm, culminating in the musical finale by Mohamed Al Shehhi.

With over 200 performers and an array of activities, Dubai is set to honor the UAE’s rich heritage and dynamic spirit with a celebration to remember.

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