Ukranian crime drama about a brute of a man called Leonid, who has to turn to smuggling once again, in order to provide for his family and pay off debts. His nickname is Pamfir (rock), he has fought in bloody battles and seen a tough life. But he is a good father and devoted husband who just wants to live in peace, and now builds wells for locals.
Dmytro Sukholytkyy-Sobchuk’s film is quite visceral with some really memorable images, especially towards the end of the film, and very immersive. I would imagine this film cuts deep for those brought up in the rural countryside of any Eastern European country.
Things go from bad to worse for Pamfir, as a chaotic event close to home and a organised crime baron conspire to bring him and his family more troubles. There are some lovely, tense long tracking shots, great performances and perhaps some symbolism that the corrupt people who run things in these areas of the world represent the current state of Ukraine’s neighbouring countries.
This one is really worth checking out.
8.2/10

Like falling off a cliff in a foreign country with a GPS: It's a strange and intense trip but at least you know where you're going.

Leonid (a.k.a. Pamfir) comes back to his native Ukraine for a couple of weeks after working abroad in Poland to save money for his family. The fates, however, have something else in mind.

A fascinating film in that every element of this movie -- the characterse, the countryside, the politics... -- is completely alien to me, yet the straightforward directing and the tightly structured story line make this as easy to follow as any Greek tragedy.