Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4062 in DVD
• Released on: 2008-03-31
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.66:1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: Russian
• Subtitled in: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 146 minutes

Synopsis
In 1936 Russia, retired war hero Sergei Petrovich Kotov (Nikita Mikhalkov), his wife Marussia (Ingeborga Dapkunaite), and daughter Nadia (Mikhalkov's real-life daughter) take refuge in the blissful Russian countryside. But the arrival of a mysterious man shatters their hopes for a peaceful existence. Mitia (Oleg Menchikov), who was once Marussia's lover, seems charming at first--he's handsome, plays the piano, and easily wins little Nadia's affections. Gradually it becomes clear that Mitia's visit may have terrible repercussions for the innocent family as the jilted suitor transfigures his personal vendetta against Sergei into an act of political persecution. Mikhalkov's powerful portrait of viciousness and betrayal during Russia's Stalinist era is a heartbreaking tale that won the 1995 Academy Award for Best Foreign Film.

Customer Reviews

A superbly acted tragi-comedy
The first half of the film is like a Checkov play, but with plenty of humour. We witness the lyrical existence of a well-off, multi-generational family living in beautiful countryside seemingly immune from Stalin's purges in the 1930s. Gradually one feels a sense of menace and the film becomes darker and more complex. The acting is excellent but one must single out the little girl who plays Nadia whose screen presence and sparkle are quite amazing. A wonderful and moving film.

ONE WORD: BRILLIANT
Brilliant directing, brilliant writing, brilliant acting. What more to expect from a movie? Oleg Menshikov is one f Russia's greatest actors - and this film prooves it. Nikita Mikhalkov does a great job in front and behind of the camera - also well known in the Russian film business.
A great drama with a heartbreaking and shocking end that will leave no-one untouched.

Tragic and compelling
This is set during the Russian Stalinist purges, and is based on a true story. It is nice to look at, taking part during a hot summer. But appearances are deceptive.

Dimitri played by Oleg Menchikov (he played a sinister character in an episode of 'Prime Suspect'), arrives at the home of a decorated Colonel, who lives with his wife Maroussia and their daughter, Nadia. The child who plays Nadia excellent in her acting. Dimitri is charming and seems friendly, but he is on an evil mission. In spite of this, I felt some sympathy for him at the end.

This is not a film for everyone, and the ending is tragic and left me feeling down. But it should be seen.