Though it has the form of a coming of age film, the realities within Harmony Lessons are quite cruel. This first feature film by Emir Baigazin, a 2007 BIFF AFA fellow, is more of a psychodrama or social chastisement than a typical coming of age movie. Aslan becomes close friends with Mirsayin, a transfer student from the city. The atmosphere in their middle school is pretty dismal because of Bolat and his gang, who robs their fellow classmates. Then Bolat is murdered. Aslan and Mirsayin become the prime suspects and are mercilessly interrogated. The director follows Aslan’s state of mind and records the reality. He is easily exposed to violence by governmental authority, and the adults are indifferent. Aslan despises violence but shows a fanatic obsession with cockroach extermination. This is also an expression of hatred toward the violence exerted on him. Without anywhere to find peace, will Aslan be able to reach adulthood? Bolat and Mirsayin finally find peace in death, and Aslan’s image as he gazes upon their dead bodies lingers long after the film is over. (KIM Ji-Seok)