Shiza

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Shiza
Directed by	Gulshat Omarova
Produced by	Sergei Azimov, Sergei Bodrov, Sergei Selyanov
Written by	Sergei Bodrov, Gulshat Omarova
Starring	Oldzhas Nusupbayev, Olga Landina
Distributed by	Picture This! (USA)
Release date(s)	May 21, 2004
Running time	86 min
Language	Russian
IMDb profile

Shiza a.k.a. Schizo (Russian: Шиза) is a 2004 film directed by Gulshat Omarova. The movie was in the official selection from Kazakhstan for the 77th Academy Awards.

[edit] Plot

Tagline: In fights without rules, there is no rule that says: "Until first blood!"

Fifteen-year-old Mustafaso (Olzhas Nusupbayev) — nicknamed "Shiza" for his weird behaviour in school — has no money, power or a girlfriend in his young life. Working for his mother’s boyfriend, Shiza scouts for fighters for the illegal, underground circuit of bare-knuckle fist-fighting.

However, his life changes forever when a young fighter is accidentally and mortally wounded in the ring. Before dying, the fighter asks Shiza to deliver his prize money to his wife Zinka (Olga Landina). Shiza takes the money to the now-widowed woman as promised. Upon meeting, Shiza falls in love with her. Suddenly, he finds direction as he is compelled to support and protect his new love no matter what the cost.