Close to Eden

'Close to Eden' is a Soviet drama written and directed by Russian director Nikita Mikhalkov. It is an international co-production between Russian and French companies, released in theaters in 1991 to good reviews, so much so that it was nominated for both the Oscar and the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film. It won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival as well as the award for Best European Film at the European Film Awards.

The film follows Gombo, a shepherd from Mongolia who lives in a typical rural yurt in the countryside with his wife, three children, and mother. On the other hand, there is Sergei, a Russian truck driver who, after falling asleep at the wheel, ends up stranded near Gombo's home. Now, the two will temporarily coexist in a deep cultural clash between two civilizations that are so distant despite usually being side by side.

'Close to Eden' was particularly acclaimed for depicting the life of typical Mongolian rural communities like Gombo's. It also explores the contrast in relationships between men and women in these circles.

To portray the roles, director Mikhalkov uses local actors, with Bayaertu playing Gombo and Badema as Pagma, his wife. Russian actor Vladimir Gostyukhin plays Sergei, the Russian truck driver. Bao Yongyan is Bourma, Gombo's daughter, Wurinile plays Bouin, Gombo's son, and Babouchka is Babouchka, Gombo's mother.