Russian Film About Corruption Seen As Top Cannes Contender

A new Russian film that depicts local corruption in Vladimir Putin's Russia has earned some of the best reviews at the Cannes film festival.

Andrei Zvyagintsev's "Leviathan" tells the tale of a family man stripped of his seaside home by the crooked mayor of a small North Russia town.

He's offered less than a fifth of his home's value, harassed by local authorities, and given mere lip service by the courts.

Some critics have dubbed the film, which premiered on May 23 at Cannes, an artistically crafted indictment of contemporary Russia.

But director Zviaguintsev has said the story could have taken place anywhere in the world.

Correspondents say the film has emerged as a contender for top honors at the Cannes festival.

Rodnianski says he hopes to release the film in Russia in September.

Based on reporting by AP and dpa