I really loved this movie, since it took me into a world, that is so alien to the American mainstream. Siberia, before the age of the consumoriented culture, people defying the old corrupt Communist apparatchiks. Depicting ancient lifestyles long gone in the western world, but rich in culture. Uneducated and Hollywood manipulated masses will probably not see those little nuances in this truly awesome flick. I did not find the story disjointed at all, since the American prisoner was just trying to cope with his new and very alien environment. When will viewer learn, that the human psyche is a very complex adaption device.There are simply no two dimensional solutions for the American to hang on to, like Hollywood often suggests. One viewer judged this movie with unreasonable harshness, that might find sympathy in communities that like to build walls around themselves, not allowing any different cultures to enter their little two dimensional worlds. Talking about the lack of curiosity .... And why should be everything explained in detail, I love it, when I can use my imagination. This movie opened a door to me, where my imagination got to far away places. I also learned a lot about Siberia in the 80's, and I found it was a very realistic depiction of it. The movie also has evolving element of adventure, that graps you and identify's you with the American prisoner. This man is intelligent, compassionate, with a strong will to survive, whatever challenge he has to face. I also recommend the viewer, to take a look at the map of Siberia, to fully appreciate what he is up against. I voted a 10 out of 10 for this movie, and to counter the narrow view of the other viewer, would even give this movie an eleven.