Russian Cinema: A different kind of fishing trip

The two brothers Andrei and Ivan live with their mother and grandma. One day when they return home from their daily outings with their friends, there's a man sleeping there. Their father has returned after being gone for twelve years, a father none of the brothers have any memories of.

Andrei, the older brother is happy and full of admiration but Ivan, the younger one, is filled with doubt. Is he really their dad? Where has he been for twelve years and why did he come back now? The father and the two boys go on a fishing trip to get to know each other, but the purpose of the trip is changed under the the way...

This debut film, "Vozvrashcheniye" / "The return" / "Återkomsten" (2003), from director Andrei Zvyagintsev is in the category of films that "make you associate, think and look at life in different ways" as Pippi wrote. Very little is spelled out for the viewer, a lot of questions that are raised remain unanswered. There are clues here and there making your brain remain active during the film trying to figure it out. The film has great photo as well. What it "lacks" in the car chase, superhero and funny jokes department it more than compensates for in other areas. Add it to your to see-lists if you haven't seen it yet, folks!

I saw Zvyagintsev's new film "Izgnanie" / "The banishment" / "Förvisningen" (2007) the same night as well. It is similar in style and well worth seeing too. And it features Arvo Pärt's "Für Alina" as part of the soundtrack, very fitting with since they share that same vagueness.

/O.K.
(Listening to while posting: Herbie Hancock - Bubbles)