Saw The Return last night -- and may return.

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A magnificent, startling and haunting film, of the Russian symbolist school, but with plot coherence and individual character. And the cinematography! The music! The metaphysics!
A father returns to his family after an unexplained twelve-year absence, and almost the next day takes his two sons, 11 and 16 roughly, on a fishing trip, supposedly. The older son, Andrei, knew his father and is eager to get to know him better, but the younger one, Ivan, is skeptical of what he sees and maintains a nearly-perpetual scowl. Ah, but when he breaks that expression... This kid is perhaps the finest child actor I have ever seen. Either that, or it's the best-written child role ever.
The father is a piece of work. Is he being cruel to his sons, or teaching them respect for their elders? What's he up to on this island? What's in that bag? That box?...
Note that when the film was made, twelve years also had passed since the fall of the Soviet system, so... What does it all mean?
Not to worry, the characters are gripping, the action is never implausible and the acting superb. After it was over the audience remained seated and silent; only I let out a single word: "Damn!"
clark
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Topic - Saw The Return last night -- and may return. - clarkjohnsen 14:04:44 03/15/04 (1)

Re: Saw The Return last night -- and may return. - patrickU 14:34:40 03/15/04 (0)

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