Kevin Costner's Russian cousin (the lead actor somewhat resembles Mr. Dances with Wolves), a woman and two other men leave the city in a stolen car. Something happens where 'Costner' gets separated from the group. He ends up on a farm where he seems to know the people.
This is the beginning of a story that has to be completed mostly in the mind of the viewer. Beautiful photography of the Russian / Ukrainian prairie. Sergio Leone-style close-ups of non-speaking, serious looking faces.
A point to stress: not much is spoken in this film. There is more dialog towards the end of the movie, but even then plot driving lines are very scarce.
It's hard to either blindly recommend or tear down this contemporary 'Russian western' For most people, this is probably one of those "you either love it or hate it" cases. Personally, I have a little bit of both. There were plenty of times where the seemingly lack of plot and the slow pace were annoying.
On the plus side, this picture has amazing shots of the southern countryside of Russia / Ukraine and its inhabitants. During the film festival where I saw this, I have seen about 20 other films after this one. However, images of this movie seem to be imprinted in my mind. So visually, this movie really stands out, I think. Also, the unpredictable and unconventional storytelling often creates a pleasant feeling of suspense.
Mostly recommended if you are into a cinematic experience and don't mind letting your imagination complete the story or leaving the theater with some question marks above your head.. 7/10
This is the beginning of a story that has to be completed mostly in the mind of the viewer. Beautiful photography of the Russian / Ukrainian prairie. Sergio Leone-style close-ups of non-speaking, serious looking faces.
A point to stress: not much is spoken in this film. There is more dialog towards the end of the movie, but even then plot driving lines are very scarce.
It's hard to either blindly recommend or tear down this contemporary 'Russian western' For most people, this is probably one of those "you either love it or hate it" cases. Personally, I have a little bit of both. There were plenty of times where the seemingly lack of plot and the slow pace were annoying.
On the plus side, this picture has amazing shots of the southern countryside of Russia / Ukraine and its inhabitants. During the film festival where I saw this, I have seen about 20 other films after this one. However, images of this movie seem to be imprinted in my mind. So visually, this movie really stands out, I think. Also, the unpredictable and unconventional storytelling often creates a pleasant feeling of suspense.
Mostly recommended if you are into a cinematic experience and don't mind letting your imagination complete the story or leaving the theater with some question marks above your head.. 7/10