El regreso

Ryan Brennan

A father appears after a decade long absence, his two boys embody the mixed emotions of his return, one of suspicion / hostility, the other of desire / reconciliation. Zvyaginstev presents his spaces openly, frames divided, and characters off center. Mother nurtures fear, father pushes you towards it. The sons carry his burden, literally and figuratively. ultimately burying him with his reasons and secrets.

Halil Küçükyıldız

a magnificent story about father-son relationship and growing-up with the excellent cinematography.

John Kirkwood

This is one of my favourite films of all time. Works on so many levels - drama, thriller, mystery, allegory - and most of all, the uncertainty and hidden aspects of life. Keeps you guessing, while driving deeper and deeper into its characters' actions and motives. Sensational acting and tremendous cinematography. But it IS a Russian film, so be patient through the long shots and rare dialogue.

danliofer

There is no need to compare this movie... Its depth lies in its gestures and unspoken words... and the mystery of death as the actor playing the elder boy had died before the movie was even released...

dionysus67

The resurrection of Russian cinema finds with the 'Return' its own return to a purely visual language, which does not simply revel in sheer visual excellence but rather instills wonder in each frame, making 'absence' a systematic narrative trope. Z delivers a purely 'Russian' film and in this fashion strikes universal chords about fatherhood and the atrophy of emotions. A multilayered masterpiece from a great auteur.

rajiv ibrahim

many people compares this to tarkovky or bresson's work, well, sure this has astonishing cinematography and super-gorgeous visual image, one of the best of 2000's, but for substance, this is nowhere near tarkovsky or bresson..

smndvdcl

Compelling crisis of masculinity film and the toxic idolatry of alpha parenting. Patriarchy is underpinned by interpreting courage through the lens of machismo.

Dzimas

Great film, whether you view it on a real or abstract level. Young Ivan is mesmerizing to watch. Good review at kinokultura, http://www.kinokultura.com/2011/32rr-return.shtml.