Close to Eden
Seen it?1991 | 119 min | Drama
Friday Night Flickearly ratingWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 59 min.
- What might put you off
- It's in Russian, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
A farmer and his wife live in a rural part of Inner Mongolia with their three children. Chinese population control policies prevent them from having any more. The farmer sets out for the nearest town to obtain birth control. He comes upon a Russian truck driver who has ended up in a lake. The farmer takes the man back to his farm, and after initially being appalled, the Russian becomes enchanted with the peaceful life of the countryside and decides to stay. But his presence presages big changes for the peasants.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Venice award: Golden Lion. Also nominated for 1 Oscar, 1 Golden Globe and 1 Independent Spirit Award. Plus 1 other award.
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 9K people sought it out in the past year
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Cast & crew
Directed by Nikita Mikhalkov
- BademaPagma
- BayaertuGombo
- Vladimir GostyukhinSergey
- BaoyinhexigeBayartu
- Bao YungyanBurma
- WurinileBowin
- BabouchkaBabouchka
- Biao WangWang Biao, Chinese pianist
- Bao Jinsheng
- Nikolay VashchilinNikolay, Sergey's friend