White Tiger

Set in the final months of World War II, White Tiger follows Red Army sergeant Ivan Naydenov after a brutal clash with a ghostly white German Tiger tank. The eerie machine seems to haunt the field and the man who witnessed its near supernatural resilience grows fixated on finishing it off. What begins as a straightforward mission tunnels into a darker fixation as Naydenov encounters strange visions, whispered rumors, and conflicting commands. Colleagues note his growing detachment as the unit pushes through ruined towns and scorched fields, while Naydenov loses sleep over the tank's legendary imperviousness. The war around him intensifies, and reality and myth begin to blur as he pursues the elusive specter across shattered streets and perilous front lines. The film blends war drama with elements of fantasy to ask what price obsession demands. Its atmosphere lingers after the final frame.

Directed by Karen Shakhnazarov, White Tiger emerges from ideas by Aleksandr Borodyanskiy and Ilya Boyashov. The production unfolds as a Russian wartime fable with a modern edge, anchored by atmosphere and a restrained, character driven lead. The budget rests around 11 million dollars and the movie premiered in 2012.

Reception is mixed, with a 5.7/10 user rating and varied critical reactions. Critics praised the mood and visual design while questioning pacing and tonal shifts. The film blends stark war drama with unsettling fantasy, examining how obsession, memory and guilt distort perception long after combat ends.

Although not a global blockbuster, White Tiger stands out for its moody cinematography and the ghost tank motif that has sparked conversations about postwar cinema in Russia. It demonstrates how genre blending can tackle weighty topics without relying on familiar action beats.

The film does not appear to have major awards or nominations listed in prominent databases, suggesting a quieter reception in the awards circuit. Nevertheless, it enriches Shakhnazarov's filmography and offers a distinct look at war and fantasy within Russian cinema.