Complex and stylish fantasy set in an artificial world that is also concrete. The young Russian director achieved this effect partly by locating his philosophical theatre in a snow-covered landscape. Men in dark clothes with rifles stand guard by camp fires, but it is not clear who the enemy is or where it will come from. Talk is condescending about plebians, but who are the patricians? Men and women talk in absurd dialogues, drive toy cars or bathe in wine. The strange world is depicted meticulously and clearly. In everything, this film world is different from reality, yet it looks suspiciously familiar. The man preparing the wine looks more like an artist than a craftsman. His secret is also an elusive romantic element: he who makes the wine, has to be in love to make an exciting wine.
