Close to Eden

Stars: Bayaertu, Vladimir Gostukhin, Badema. Originally titled Urga (which refers to the pole/marker that Mongolian shepherd's use), this delightful Russian tale of rustic life clashing with modern technology stars Bayaertu as Gombo, a Mongolian sheepherder who strikes up a friendship with a Russian worker named Sergei (Vladimir Gostukhin) whose truck becomes stuck near Gombo's hut. Although a language barrier exists between Sergei and Gombo's family, the group spend a nice evening together capped by a rousing accordion piece played by Gombo's daughter. Eventually, Gombo and Sergei go into the city (Sergei on business, Gombo to buy this new birth control device that his wife Pagma has told him about: condoms), and have some strange adventures. Nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign film, Nikita Mikhalkov's Close to Eden is vastly different from his urbane Italian period piece Dark Eyes. A slower film, Close to Eden is also richer, particularly in its contrast between the idyllic family life of the shepherd and the hectic pace of modern living. Audience: Those who enjoyed The Gods Must Be Crazy and its sequel might enjoy this much tamer take on civilization's discontents.