Reviews

This is by far best movie I've seen made in Russia in the last 5 years. I was not crazy about the title and synopsis, but decided to see it anyway. It was not an easy to watch film, however its extremely talented and good looking cast, tough topic, great cinematography, and many other aspects, including an unflinching depiction of the state of the affairs in Russia make it a great movie. I think it's director will have huge carrier.

Using a story of young successful DJ in provincial Russian town, film shows slow descent into abyss started by one wrong choice. There is no way out and every choice after that is worse than the other.

I could not help but draw parallels to another movie I just saw - Before the Devil Knows You're Dead.

But if Before the Devil is looking at the family story, Vise is showing the whole country that you can either leave or stay and keep making bad choices and get dirty and struggle to stay alive.

The plot will keep you absorbed and even though I would of edited about 20 minutes out of it (I might be wrong about it).

I strongly recommend this film, if not for underlying idea, then for the very good thriller that it is.

This is a beautiful period film with a lot of Breillat's trademark unflinching look at love and war between sexes. The story is old, but this is first time I see it put so frankly - they not marrying the the love of their life....

Sex is shot amazingly. There is an eyeful of historical detail and actors are looking great, dressed and undressed. The book it is based on according to Breillat, is autobiographical, which makes it even more interesting.

To put it simply - great work in many aspects.

Bravo again Catherine!

One of the truest and realistic depiction of Russian romance (maybe not only Russian) and life. No wonder it was immediately forbidden and never reached audiences. If you ever have an opportunity to see it, jump om it! I had a chance to see it in New York Lincoln Center Socsiety's presentation of Soviet Cinema of the 60's with was amazing, but this film was stuck in my mind for many-many month. It is not a type of film you can write about, it is very visual and goes far beyond words. It is a true cinematic experience. It is an only film directed by one of the most talented people of Russian cinematography, who wrote scrips for some of the best Soviet movies of that period.

Loosely based on a great science-fiction novel Billion Years Before the End of the World by renowned authors Boris and Andrei Strugatsky, it one of my favorite films. It is hard to say what is more striking in this film -cinematography or the ideas it is about.

Beautiful dream/nightmare-like film interlaced with documentary footage. I can bet you never see anything like this. It is most original film I ever saw. It is very far from realistic, despite use of the documentary footage and Shaws diary fragments. Can not describe it in words!

This is a philosophical film about a nature of physical part of life with no regard to fame or greatness of the person. Not for the unprepared viewer - must not expect entertainment 'a la Hollywood'. Let yourself to be submerged into Sokurov's film and it will be an experience you will never forget.

This movie is beautifully acted and directed. Its characters will not make you want to run to plastic surgeon's office or to go live on deserted island. No gimmicks or cheap thrills - it is about real life and people, and it will give you good feeling and put a smile on your face for at least few days.