Based on the novel (1885) by Alexander Shirvanzade, the film describes the everyday life in the provincial town of Shamakhi during the 1860s and 70s, in pre-revolutionary Armenia, revolving around the drama of two young lovers who fall victim to the cruel and omnipotent traditional rules and laws. “In contrast to the many examples of previous Oriental films, the director managed to avoid vulgarization and simplification of Eastern exoticism.” (Anna Malgina)
