Based on the Ivan Turgenev's story, "A Month in the Country," British actor and future knight, Ralph Fiennes shines in this memorable costume period drama. I was amazed at how he spoke fluent Russian in this film. He deserved credit for speaking Russian, a very difficult language. The film reminded me more of a Chekhov play about relationships and life in the country among the aristocrats. The film is done very well by a female director for a change. It was filmed on location in Russia in the Smolensk region. If you're a Ralph Fiennes fan, you will wonder why he hasn't been given Knighthood yet. The rest of the cast do a very good job in their roles.