“Red Ghost: Nazi Hunter” is a 2022 Russian war thriller directed by Andrey Bogatyrev, set during the harsh winter of 1941 in Vyazma, USSR, amidst World War II. The film blends intense action, historical drama, and a touch of mythic storytelling, drawing inspiration from spaghetti westerns. It follows a mysterious lone sniper, known as the Red Ghost (Aleksey Shevchenkov), a near-legendary figure who terrorizes Nazi soldiers with deadly precision in the snow-covered Russian forests. His relentless attacks prompt the Wehrmacht to deploy a special unit, led by the ruthless SS-Hauptsturmführer Braun (Wolfgang Cerny), to hunt him down.
Simultaneously, a small group of Soviet soldiers, stranded behind enemy lines, battles brutal winter conditions and Nazi forces while seeking safety. Their paths converge at an abandoned farm, where they face a desperate stand against the encircling Wehrmacht unit. The Red Ghost emerges as an enigmatic ally, aiding their fight for survival. The film features a strong ensemble cast, including Vladimir Gostyukhin, Yura Borisov, and Polina Chernyshova, and is noted for its vivid cinematography, realistic action sequences, and a soundtrack reminiscent of Ennio Morricone’s iconic western scores.
Praised for its tense atmosphere and well-crafted fight scenes, “Red Ghost: Nazi Hunter” delivers a pulpy, action-packed narrative with a patriotic undertone, though it leans more on archetype-driven characters than deep development. Despite some criticism for its English dubbing and modern dialogue, the film offers a fresh take on the war genre, appealing to fans of action, historical dramas, and gritty, stylized storytelling. Released on VOD platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV on February 15, 2022, it’s a compelling watch for those seeking an intense, visually striking war epic.