Several sites (but not IMDB) state that this is a crime drama of three episodes. It might be usefully considered that way as the length of the film makes viewing all in one go difficult on the small screen. Indeed, this is how I watched it - I took short breaks at more or less one third intervals.
The overall impression of the film was vastness, the huge landscapes with their mountainous background and the interminable roads that seemed to go on forever with no sign of life beside them. The way the film was shot accentuates this. Long shots, panning at times but otherwise remaining still to take in the action amidst the wilderness. There is barely a close up until the shocking events at the end. Even then, the camera seems distanced somehow.
As a study of utter corruption in both the police force and in daily life where a local mafia rules the roost, the film is a shocking indictment of its society and country. That life is so cheap in Kazakhstan enabling totally innocent "suspects" to be bumped off to allow local gang leaders to practice their perversions is astonishing.
Those who want to change this are given short shrift. Arianna is bundled away in disgrace, accused of crimes she never committed. Bekzat realises after his Damascene conversion that the only way to fight back is their way - Ariana returns too late to save him from a cycle of retribution and violence.
A special mention for the actor playing the simpleton Pukuar. Clearly a good-looking guy, his transformation in the film into a slack jawed disabled figure was a revelation.
As I said, I watched on the small screen and needed a couple of breaks. However, on the silver screen the cinematography would be so fascinating that I'm sure my eyes couldn't leave the action for a moment.
