10 Days = Wife: Love Translated

Writer-director Julia Ivanova's documentary follows a group of American men seeking brides, traveling to Ukraine on a 10-day search conducted with the help of Anastasia Dating Tours. Some of the men have been previously married (with children), while others have never had a serious relationship, and most cite bad experiences with American women and a desire for a more traditional, family-oriented spouse as the reason to undertake the expensive journey. The would-be wives, some as young as 18 and all scantily clad, complain that Russian men drink too much and aren't romantic. Ivanova follows the potential couples as they size each other up over cocktails and dinners, and embark on tourist outings. Expectations on both sides gradually deflate, as disagreements and personality clashes emerge, and language proves to be a difficult barrier to overcome. One cynical onlooker says the women are only interested in having lots of money spent on them, although some of the men admit to feeling an ego boost with females fawning over them (one has made the trek 12 times). Almost all the travelers go home without a prospect, but they don't seem to think it was a waste of time. DVD extras include deleted scenes. An interesting documentary—from Russia with love, so to speak—this is recommended. Aud: P. (S. Rees)