After many charged glances and rousing brushes with danger, they give in to their desires with little resistance. The film runs on a steady rhythm of danger and pleasure, or tension and release. The opening scene’s drama repeats itself almost cyclically, with the stakes climbing higher each time. Another swimming scene, this one more erotic, is shot from afar, under the watchful eye of an unknown meddler who brings an anonymous report up the line. Pressed breathlessly against each other in a forest trench, they erupt into a passionate kiss once in the clear.Įach rapturous high is followed by a heart-stopping low, and as soon as they consummate their love they are interrupted by an ominous knock on the door.Īfter a trip to the opera, which gives the film its title, the couple is almost caught at a checkpoint, though it’s unclear by whom and why they must hide.
The prying major (Margus Prange) has his eye on Roman, and never misses an opportunity to remind him the KGB is watching. The threat of a Russian jail looms large over Roman, who feels responsible for Sergey as well.
