Igor Livanov Movies

An attractive and independent thirty-something and her younger lover travel to the remote fishing village of Crimea for a romantic holiday, only to find that things operate much differently in the lawless countryside than they do back in Moscow. Despite their ten year age difference, urban professional Irina and her youthful lover Kostik share a connection that seems to be growing more serious by the day. When Kostik was just a young boy he used to spend his holidays in Crimea, a secluded fishing village. These days Crimea seems to exist in some curious twilight zone between the Soviet past and the Ukranian present, and most folks aren't afraid to break the law in order to make ends meet. Shortly after the couple arrives in Crimea, Kostik is seduced by Katya - a smitten figure from his past who still harbors a sizeable crush on her childhood love. When Katya's current suitor finds out about the affair, his anger at the prospect of losing his girl to an uninvited trespasser from the big city threatens to erupt into violence before the quick-thinking country girl comes up with a most unusual solution. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

In this ironic Russian drama, a man's thoughts of revenge turn to thoughts of reconciliation as he comes to know his intended victim a little better. The story is set in contemporary Russia following the destruction of the Communist regime. Nikolai is a slightly shady but successful businessman; he and his brand new wife are happily honeymooning on a train when he suddenly recognizes the sleeping car attendant as Oleg, the judge who gave him seven years for black-market trading during the Soviet era. The still angry Nikolai immediately begins plotting revenge against Oleg. He first feigns friendship with Oleg and ends up renting a room in the ex-judge's house. Then he gets Oleg a part-time job at one of his warehouses. Once Oleg trusts him, Nikolai has the town tart crawl into the older man's bed so that his wife will find Oleg in a compromising position. The ploy works and she leaves him. Later Nikolai plans to have Oleg take the fall for a warehouse robbery. But no matter what he does, Oleg is happy and when he finally recognizes Nikolai, he explains his reasons for having to send him to prison even though he did not want to. Nikolai slowly begins to respect the judge and then changes his mind about having his ex-cell mate kill Oleg. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide