After having seen an endless succession of slow-moving modern Russian films concentrating on showing how depressing and desperate the life in Russia is, it is a huge relieve to see a funny, extremely clever, intellectual and entertaining film, truly Chekhovian in tone and spirit. Chekhov called his plays 'comedies' - but it is very rare that they are treated as such. Chekhov's approach of combining the absurd and comic traits of the reality with its most sad and tragic aspects is successfully adopted by the director Anna Tchernakova to create a poignant and funny tale about modern Russia, the fate of art and a human being. The main character is played by Yuri Stoyanov whose enormous talent blooms here. A rare treat and a must-see for all Chekhov lovers and general art-house audience as well.