Lithuanian here, born in former USSR. It was very interesting to watch both from criminal, psychological and sociological perspectives.
Brutal. Down to earth. Abundance of blood, nicotine and alcohol somewhat reminds dark Korean movies. Very interesting fusion of both post-soviet and asian/nomadic(?) brutality. With death penalties, executions, vendettas and rural Kazakh realities.
Since I'm an avid "criminal Russia" documentary viewer, most of the crime scenes were _really_ realistical and believable. Filming was excellent. Maybe investigators are somewhat onesided and straightforward, as well and action/solving of the cases as well is way too rushed, but, well, thats a matter of taste. Im personally way into slower and more sophisticated pace, but its me. So all in all 9 out of 10. Not for the sophistificated characters or scenario, but for the realism of crimes, daily rural life and straightforward brutality.