Oscar-nominated film which highlights the problem of corruption in Putin's Russia. Although the story is ostensibly about the struggle of one man trying to prevent the destruction of his house, the wider implications are laid on fairly thickly. A caricature-like corrupt mayor sits drinking vodka under an impassive portrait of Putin hanging on the wall behind him, whilst representatives of the orthodox church are seen as wealthy co-partners in this corrupt system. It's a film that will have some natural appeal to westerners, as it has already caused a a minor backlash in its home country (however, it's worth pointing out that this film was partly financed by the Russian Ministry of Culture!). Although the distinctly Russian politics of the film are laid on a little too heavy-handedly, it shouldn't detract from the story's universal appeal of the little guy struggling to fight back against the Leviathan of the 'system'.
9/10
9/10