This is truly a movie telling us about life and the importance of family ties. Indeed true bond of marriage, unconditional love to our parents that give life to us so that we will remember it and give us strength. I dedicate this movie to my parents and Nadia, love of my life.

awesome movie really touching

I honed in on this one because of the Nikolai Gogol references, including the film's nod to The Overcoat. I am so glad that I did, because it is such a remarkable film. And, if you're only familiar with Penn from his Harold and Kumar antics, etc., you will be in for a real surprise with his performance here. In fact, he brings a depth and vulnerability to the role that you would not expect from him based on his comedic turns (the entire casts does, actually). The film is character driven--in case that is not your thing--and the story development has a pace to match, but the movie is so very understated, richly woven, and supple (from the ensemble to the wonderful parity of the cinematography to the story, itself, and the pathos and vulnerability of its characters as they wrestle with their identity amid their displacement) that I should think that even those not into slower drama would like it: 9/10.