Genre: Drama

Duration: 105 mins

Format: 35mm / Digital

Director: Andrei Zviagintsev

Cast: Andrey Smirnov, Nadezhda Markina, Elena Lyadova, Alexey Rozin, Evgenia Konushkina

Awards: Winner Special Jury Prize, 2011 Cannes Film Festival (Un Certain Regard)

One of the most internationally successful Russian directors of the past 10 years, Andrei Zviagintsev (The Return), brings to the screen his latest cinematic gem. Elena and Vladimir are an older couple, who have been together for ten years, though they seem to have little in common. Vladimir is wealthy and cold. Elena comes from a modest background and is a docile wife. They met late in life and each one has children from previous marriages. Elena's son is unemployed, unable to support his own family and is constantly asking Elena for money. Vladimir's daughter is a careless young woman who has a distant relationship with her father. A heart attack puts Vladimir in hospital, where he realises that his remaining time is limited. A brief but tender reunion with his daughter leads him to make an important decision: she will receive the bulk of his wealth and Elena a mere monthly annuity. Back home he announces his decision to Elena. In one striking blow, her hopes of financially helping her son disappear. The film is nothing short of a masterpiece – a story of moral choice and sacrifice that questions whether values and morality will have a place in the future of Russia.