The Russian director Aleksey Lapin's approach is poetic and rhapsodic. The film is structured around a fake casting process for a historical film that will be shot in the village. This premise allows Lapin to interact with the villagers, who generously share their stories and desires with the camera.
The film alternates between observed scenes, conversations, and poetic interludes. Lapin's gaze is loving and gentle, but also ironic and satirical, highlighting the quirky and magical aspects of village life. The film is an intimate and personal portrait of a world that may seem foreign to outsiders, but is ultimately universal in its humanity.
"Aleksey Lapin has given us a real gem with his Krai." (cinema-austriaco)
