It Does Not Hurt

Tata, with youthful beauty and an air of mystery, is the first client of a new interior design firm. Consisting of three young Russian designers, the firm's intention is to make a fortune renovating the apartments of St. Petersburg's wealthy. Tata turns out to be as broke as the designers, and although unable to hire them, she begins a love affair with one of them-the quick-witted Misha. As the business takes off, Misha is distracted by his lover, who turns out to be a kept woman. And Tata's older, wealthy “benefactor” is the least of her secrets. A master of post-Soviet cinema, Balabanov (Someone to watch, 27th CIFF) carefully develops the charming and suspenseful IT DOES NOT HURT. The city of St. Petersburg, with its stunning Neva River, is featured prominently in the film, providing the perfect backdrop for a modern Russian tale of love and youth. (In Russian with English subtitles) -J.B.H.