 On the other hand, opposition journalist Zoya Svetova labeled the film as pro-Putin, pointing out that the head juror is a secret service officer, while a juror, supposedly representing a Russian liberal, resembles Russian opposition politician Valeriya Novodvorskaya.Another juror (a television producer), is seen as a caricature of Russian producer Dmitry Lesnevsky.On 8 September 2007, the film received a special Golden Lion for the "consistent brilliance" of its work and was praised by many critics at the 64th Venice International Film Festival.