Film Category
First Seen:
Tue 2nd Oct 2018
Catalogued: 22nd Dec 2024
Synopsis
The father of two teenage boys living with their mother and grandmother returns after being away for 12 years. He takes the boys on a trip, with mysterious undertones, which turns into a challenge for the boys.
Reviews
by Roger on Tue 2nd Oct 2018 DVD proj @ Home
Review of "The Return"
Full review
Director Andrey Zvyagintsev went on to make Elena (2011) and Leviathan (2014). This, his first feature from 2003, clearly sets out his themes. Reflective in pace, giving the cast a chance to fully inhabit the characters and reveal the narrative. Excellent cinematography, a simple story explored in depth, posing questions that extend you beyond the narrative. In this one the two young actors playing the boys are outstanding - possibly the best child acting you will ever see. Tragically Vladimir Garin who plays the older brother died during post-production before the premiere. He was swimming in the same lake where the film was shot when he drowned. This is modern Russian film making at its best.