Similar in scope to Dr. Zhivago, but 100% Russian, Siberiade was a very difficult DVD to get a hold of.  Despite its epic breath and scope, the story is about two families in a small Siberian town–starting from chopping the forest to build the town. There is plenty of Russian emotional outbursts.  The story drags at times, but a century plus of Russian history can’t be shorted.  At over 3 hours, the movie takes some commitment.  Even if you can’t sort out who is who, you can be in awe of the cinematography and scenery (filmed in Siberia). This is an artsy, historical film, as overwhelming and mystifying as Russia herself.

Based on a novel by Anton Chekhov and set in modern day Russia, this is the story of two Russian soldiers captured by break away mountain people aka Chechens.  One soldier is a crusty, cynical old soldier, the other is young, naive and scared.  The story centers around their confinement and the actions that result from the capture.  The ending is perhaps the best in cinema.  But the movie is loaded with greatness, conflict, abrupt twists, and some real top notch scenery footage.  It was filmed 50 miles away from where this same war was being fought (and is still I think). It was good enough for a Cannes.  And welcome to the Caucuses.