Yes, this is a shocking movie but a good one. People, especially abroad, need to see films like this, to get a picture of the horrors that took place in the SSSR and try understand the dark side of the human nature. Similar things, if not worse, are happening all over the place but at least Alexey Balabanov had the guts to talk about it in an explicit and honest manner. I, personally, think of this film as a very disturbing documentary which can also provide study material for sociologists, psychologists, psychiatrists but also people in positions of power (politicians mainly) who are mostly responsible for horrors of the modern society. Also, movies aren't just Hollywood and why not talk about real life for a change. It's time people opened up their eyes and their minds, too. I did find the music, although highly acclaimed by the critics and well liked by its fans, a little irritating. I do however understand its role in the movie so that's why I voted 9. Well done the actors, and well done Mr Balabanov!