Before the film was shot, young artists met veterans of the Afghan War - the soldiers of the legendary 9th company. Some were introduced to the prototypes of their characters.
Set domestic box office record in Russia, in 2005, generating $ 7,700,000 in five days. Surpassed Turetskiy gambit (2005) in October 2005 to become the highest-grossing movie in post-communist Russia.
Was a Russian candidate for Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film nomination in 2007.
It is the first movie in post-communist Russia to surpass the $20 million mark at the box office.
In reality, only 6 of 39 soviet soldiers from the 9th company were killed on hill 3234. There were over 200 dead on the opposite side.
Presidents of Ukraine and Uzbekistan extended their patronage over the production of the film.