MUBI

A masterwork in allegory and symbolism, “The Return” is a boundlessly layered Jungian landmine of religious metaphor and political subtext, ominous mysticism elegantly sewn to a timeless tale simmering over with biblical implications. The most amazing aspect of this Russian film is its profoundly interpretive nature, proposing a story at its most elemental and infusing it with meaning so rich, yet so elusive, as to be read in an abundance of different ways. It is ambiguity administered at the highest level, matched by the lean minimalism of Zvyagintsev’s elegant compositions and the spooky unease felt throughout the austere scenery. Amongst fathers and sons, warlords and legions, gods and disciples, the children find themselves torn apart under the questionability of their supposed authority. The validity of religion, of faith, and what becomes of man’s future, are here all tried and tested, but never resolved.

The last time I saw that film was maybe 3 years ago. Even after those years, I strongly keep the memory of that film. The Return is intense on every level… The photography and the directing is insane, seriously. It is one of those film in which your attention is catched and kept from the beginning until the end. The story is quite simple, but it has a subtle mystery, it is unusual and strong… Moreover, the actors gave also a strong performance.

Isn’t this film a kind of metaphor to Jesus and his apostles? As far as I remember, the dinner, the disposition of the table, the ‘’road-trip’’, the fate…

This film is all about fate after all.

The use of visuals certainly is in the tradition of Tarkovsky, but Zvyaginstev has a very strong voice of his own.

The film is strong, powerful, visceral and ever so affecting. The story is one of discovery, and while the cinematography might set the scene for metaphysical contemplation, the film explores human emotions, fears, reactions in a decidedly Oedipal tale.

The acting is superb all around and the direction is damn near flawless. The stills at the end of the film were a particularly nice touch, I felt.

One of my recent favorites!! This one’s about two brothers reuniting with their dad after 12 years. As much as it may seem like an ordinary, the movie reveals itself very unexpectedly. The love and competition felt between the two brothers are told very honestly. Also, the two brothers’ expectations of their father are at the opposite ends of the spectrum. The bonding of the brothers with the shock of meeting their father made this bittersweet story a must see for me. Thanks for the great find, the auteurs team!!

A very interesting and dramatic movie about family relations that keeps you thinking after you see it. The movie is about a father that steps in to the lives of his two sons after 12 years and their journey together that brings out many conflicts that have been waiting to be solved forever. The father tries to convey his principles and the way he lives his life to his sons where one of the two accepts these teachings and the other one shows rebellion. I really loved the acting of the younger son—especially his mimicking and facial expressions. Another thing I fell in love was the black and white photography shown at the end of this heavy-hearted movie.