Venue: The Phoenix

Russian film about two boys whose father returns after a twelve year absence.

The boys and their father take a fishing trip to get to know each other again. This becomes a journey where their father attempts to teach them things to deal with the harsh world. It is never explained where their father has been for the twelve years, but I feel it was somewhere harsh like a gulag.

The entire story felt very Japanese and Russian at the same time. Japanese in the simplicity and directness of the story. Russian in the way they overcame obstacles, like getting a car out of mud, or getting across a lake.

The photography was stunning. The music was all original. The story was gripping. This is how films should be made - pay attention Hollywood.