The film was shot in diverse locations, from mountain landscapes to urban settings. The majority of outdoor filming, about 80%, took place in the picturesque mountains of Kabardino-Balkaria, in the Chegem and Cherek gorges, as well as on the slopes of the majestic Mount Elbrus. Almost all Chechen scenes were filmed here, except for one shot at a checkpoint.
In Kabardino-Balkaria, in the village of El-Tyuby, stands the ancestral tower of the Balkarukovs, which in the plot served as the place where militants brought John and Margaret. Near the Zhilgi River is the house where the Balkar poet Kaisyn Kuliev was born, which in the film became the home of the Chechen Aslan Gugaev. John and Ivan walked past the Upper Chegem mausoleums when they were led by the Chechen shepherd Ruslan Shamaev. The memorable episode where the main characters were shooting back was filmed in the Abaev Tower, located in the Cherek district of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic.
In Chechnya, the scene at the checkpoint at the entrance to Grozny was filmed. Additionally, filming took place in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tobolsk, and London.

Filming Locations:

Train Station

In the Movie

The scene where Ivan, after returning from captivity, sits at the train station with his fellow soldier. They eat ice cream and discuss plans for the future. Ivan talks about his intention to go to St. Petersburg to visit the family of Captain Medvedev, whom they tried to save. In this scene, Ivan tries to adapt to peaceful life after his captivity. He feels lost and cannot find his place.

In Reality

The scene was filmed opposite Yaroslavsky Station. The choice of this location was due to several factors. The station is a symbol of arrival and departure, the beginning and end of a journey. After captivity, Ivan is at a crossroads, and the station perfectly reflects his state of uncertainty and search for a future direction. The station is a place where people meet and part, where life is bustling, adding realism to what is happening on screen. Also important is that Leningradsky Station is located next to Yaroslavsky Station. This adds additional meaning to Ivan's plans to go to St. Petersburg, since trains in that direction depart from Leningradsky Station.

Bridge in St. Petersburg

In the Movie

The scene where Ivan arrives in St. Petersburg. The city greets him with cold alienation. He came here with a specific, albeit difficult, goal: to find the relatives of Captain Medvedev, the paralyzed officer with whom they were together in Chechen captivity. Ivan feels obligated to try to rescue him. Petersburg turns out to be a labyrinth of streets and courtyards, where Ivan unsuccessfully tries to find the right address. He wanders around the city, checking a scrap of paper with the Medvedev family's address written on it. At some point, tired and disappointed, he stops on a bridge, lights a cigarette, and looks out over the river.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on the Anichkov Bridge in St. Petersburg. One of the most recognizable and central bridges of the city, located on Nevsky Prospekt. The choice of this location is quite justified: the Anichkov Bridge is a landmark of St. Petersburg, instantly recognizable by viewers. Its central location and accessibility make it convenient for the film crew. The bridge offers a beautiful view of the Fontanka River and the architectural ensemble of the city center, creating a visually appealing and atmospheric shot. Using this location instantly immerses the viewer in the city's atmosphere, enhancing the emotional impact of the moment when Ivan, standing on the bridge in the rain, reflects on his future and the fate of Captain Medvedev.

Embankment Opposite the Bridge

In the Movie

The scene where John returns to London. He urgently needs to find money to free his wife. Despite his wealth, the amount demanded by the terrorists is exorbitant. John goes out onto the embankment with his dog, where he meets his lawyer. The lawyer brings bad news: even if John sells all his property, he won't be able to raise the required amount. The lawyer suggests asking Margaret's parents for help. In the end, John fails to raise the necessary sum.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in London on the embankment opposite Tower Bridge. The choice of this location was due to several factors. First, Tower Bridge is an instantly recognizable symbol of London and the whole of Great Britain. Second, the embankment offers picturesque panoramic views of the Thames and the city, creating an attractive backdrop for the scene. Third, the solid appearance of the bridge and embankment can emphasize John's high social status and the scale of the problem he faces. Fourth, the embankment, as a public place, adds realism to what is happening. Using this location allowed the creation of a visually impressive and atmospheric scene, highlighting John's despair when faced with the impossibility of raising the huge sum to save his fiancée.

Cafe

In the Movie

The scene where John, desperate to find money to ransom his fiancée Margaret, decides to ask Ivan for help. To do this, he personally flies from London to Tobolsk, where they meet and sit at a table in an outdoor cafe.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in Tobolsk, they sit by the walls of the Tobolsk Kremlin, and behind John's back there is a view of the city.