Sergei Bodrov, Jr., shines in Netflix's Top 10 list in Brat's first week.

A few insights to help you make it through Russian 101, from someone who's got a little experience.

The American journalist and historian with Belarusian roots learned Russian after being assigned to the region in the 1990s. She spent a  semester in Leningrad during college, and has said that shaped her views significantly.