Continuing the time-honored tradition of gloriously bleak Russian movies about the cathartic Job-ness of Russian (and human) existance. A la 'Once Upon a Time There Lived a Simple Woman'. A tear-jerker on paper, but also one where the total transcends the parts' sum. Thanks in no small part to the wonderful cast, lead by an actress whose often-understated choices - relentlessly breath uniqueness and soul into this experience. 4.4/5
