This is a very faithful adaptation of one of Chekhov's best-known stories. Although a Yugoslav movie, with some of the all-time best Balkan actors, it was directed by a Romanian director, Lucian Pintilie, who later made quite a few films that were very successful at film festivals (Cannes, Venice).
The plot touches many questions that have been bothering the humanity throughout centuries; there are citations from Marcus Aurelius, Diogenes and other classical philosophers. What is madness? Can one be in control of his own destiny? Is there any meaning to existence? Of course, we don't get any specific answers, but are left wondering and even (after 90 minutes of listening to the excruciating soundtrack of the movie, resembling the sound of a train) questioning our own sanity.
To conclude, this is not a movie anyone will enjoy, but certainly one to give you something to think of.
The plot touches many questions that have been bothering the humanity throughout centuries; there are citations from Marcus Aurelius, Diogenes and other classical philosophers. What is madness? Can one be in control of his own destiny? Is there any meaning to existence? Of course, we don't get any specific answers, but are left wondering and even (after 90 minutes of listening to the excruciating soundtrack of the movie, resembling the sound of a train) questioning our own sanity.
To conclude, this is not a movie anyone will enjoy, but certainly one to give you something to think of.
