Sergei Parshin

Like its double-entendre title, "Makarov" is a richly layered film that juxtaposes the tradition of image-laden Russian poetry against gritty, crime-infested, post-revolutionary Moscow. Guns have replaced language as the forbidden source of power. Whispers in dark corners and encounters with back-alley thugs create an edgy mood that sets the story on its well-paced spiraling descent. Discomfort factor limits film's international appeal beyond the arthouse circuit. (variety.com)