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Strong film, but...

For a film like this, I need some time to let it settle in, but my initial impression is of a strong film with serious problems.

It is natural to compare it to the master's previous work - Vozvraschenie (Return). And to put it simply... here we have Mozart writing the Beethoven's Ninth.

Anyone familiar with recent Russian films will immediately recognize the current tradition - in choices of gray color palette, desolate landscapes, soundtrack and mood. So in essence the lightness and transparent air of the Return has been replaced by the ambiance of Night Watch, and it is decidedly out of place.

The director is a master of images and moods. Like Kubrick in Barry Lyndon, his images revoke strong memory of great canvases, some of them are truly breathtaking. Frame it, and you will keep coming back to it. He and his cameraman are a wonderful team, there is no question about it. The question is rather of the message and reason.

The message is convoluted, while being basically very simple. We are seeing another crack at Bergman's analysis, but with no Bergman's insight. And we see homage to Tarkovsky's homage to Bergman - some scenes inescapably bring back the images of the Sacrifice.

So in the nutshell... a notable new work by a recognized master, perhaps finding himself out of his depth. Incredibly powerful images, coupled with strong performances. Confusion galore and some sense of relief when the credits start to roll.

Definitely a must see movie, that is bound to produce strong arguments.


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