A truly great film. Without cloying sentimentality, Mikhalkov portrays a village teacher and a doctor undergoing various stages of emotional breakdown, in this adaptation of the works by Anton Chekov. A village teacher believes his life has had no intent. Hence he is driven to despair and in effect to torment both himself and his young wife. The film's another protagonist - a doctor hates his patients and his work. The guests staying with a general's wife, are talking about the delights of a simple village life, not really convinced by what they are saying. The classical style chosen by Mikhalkov and the masterful cinematography combine to make this film a real treasure for the lovers of Russian classics. Classical music ( by G. Donizetti, F. Liszt, and S. Rachmaninov ) proliferates throughout, adding to the unforgettable qualities of this captivating drama.
