A Place in the World

Artur Ariskakisjan directs this grim and gritty drama about a group of social misfits living in a cult-like commune. Living on the outskirts of Moscow in crowded and grubby conditions, these 21st century hippies have rejected the rampant consumerism of post-communist Russia. One day, the leader of the commune decrees a strict regime of free love -- all women must have physical relations with each and every man. Instead of unifying the group, it tears it apart, resulting in one passionately monogamous man castrating himself -- in front of a group of small children -- rather than shag another woman. Later, the police stage one of their numerous raids, beating many of the compound's inhabitants. The film was screened at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival.~ Jonathan Crow, All Movie Guide