One morning, when Gregor Samsa woke from troubled dreams, he found himself transformed into a revolting bug. Just yesterday he was a provider, the mainstay of his family's well-being. Today he is an outcast monster, alien to his loved ones but, at long last, interesting to himself. With wonder, Gregor studies the petty objects he so cherished: a pencil box, a hair comb, a pair of eyeglasses... What's all this nonsense for, when instead of a morning greeting you can only utter clicking sounds and your hands won't stop making spider movements? Even the furniture shudders with horror...

The screen adaptation of Franz Kafka's cult classic by the renowned theatrical director Valery Fokin is a favorite of Kafka film festivals the world over. It features an astonishing performance by Mironov as Gregor the Bug using no words, no makeup and no special effects.

Yevgeny Mironov's recognition for the film:

• Best Actor Award at the National Literature and Film Festival, 2003