Shuga (Chouga) (2007)

Renowned writer/director Darezhan Omirbaev (KILLER, CARDIOGRAM) brings his supremely minimalist eye to this modern adaptation of ANNA KARENINA. Set in Kazakhstan, the film follows the somber journey of the beautiful Chouga (Ainur Turgambayeva), who travels southward from Astana to Almaty for family business. There she finds herself targeted by the wealthy Tiburon, who has lost out on his chance at love with another beautiful young woman. The trouble for Chouga is that she's married, and has a child, but she finds herself drawn to Tiburon. Soon, an affair begins, and she leaves her family and moves in with her lover--until that relationship finds Chouga despondent and unhappy as well.With CHOUGA, Omirbaev has taken the art of understatement to a new level. The performances are delivered with a supremely monotone bent, casting a truly hypnotic spell. Combined with the bizarre, wintry landscape decorated with holiday lights, CHOUGA feels strangely futuristic. Omirbaev adds artistry in the form of long takes and symbolism with objects, giving viewers much to absorb.