Guidebook

Imagine that several cameras have moved from the outskirts to the center, capturing the most interesting and informative moments of city life in different parts of the city along the way. The characters of the film are its viewers: natives of Kyiv, provincials who have come to seek their fortune, capitalist tourists — in short, those who make life in the city so vibrant. Every day we find ourselves in a variety of situations and solve a multitude of issues, from renting an apartment in the center to finding a notary in Novobelychi — urban trends, tastes, prices, priorities, routes, the labor and real estate markets, the past, present, and future.

Directed by Alexander Shapiro, Guidebook leans on a strong ensemble — Oleksiy Horbunov, Georgiy Drozd, Volodymyr Horiansky — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2004.