08/07/06 The Return

The Return (2003), directed by Andrei Zvyagintsev

watched w/ Leslie (partially); DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

Talk about a bleak tale of growing up, set in an even more gloomy landscape of cold mother Russia. Not to pigeonhole an entire nation based on old jokes or the thematic elements of one film in particular, but it paints a very desolate picture for the life that two boys lead in this small coastal Russian village. The story is a very powerful and moving one, depressing and emotional in scope...but almost ceremoniously apt for the two boys' test of manhood. The two teenage Russian boys, elder Andrei and younger Ivan, who have been raised by their mother only to have their father mysteriously appear back in their lives after a 12 year absence with no explanation of his whereabouts. Andrei is physically stronger and more daring of the boys, yet his simple-minded approach to their father's return is one of desperation for a male role model...so he overlooks the reasoning for his absence and looks up to the man. However, younger Ivan, a bit more timid with his peers, has no problems showing his pure anger and embittered nature to the man who abandoned the family when needed. Despite the emotional conflicts the young boys have, the father continues to half-heartedly attempt a reconciliation with them by taking them on a weekend fishing trip to a remote island. (Why this is at all a good idea by the mother to allow this with no questions asked is a bit more telling of a parental skill than even the utter lack of them by the father). On this bumpy trip, the boys soon learn that not only does the father struggle with his own temper in trying to "discipline" the children...but the reasons for his absence seem to revolve around his sordid business dealings, with little hints being dropped but never actually addressed on screen. Every turn in the film is some sort of revelation by the youngsters, guilt by the father, awkward bonding between all parties, and finally a cold growing pain of the harsh realities of life. It's truly unbelievable how talented the young actors are in their delivery, as well as new director Zvyagintsev's sense of touch, and furthermore the overall blue-twinged tonal qualities of the film. The fishing trip becomes very symbolic, almost of mythic proportions, as it follows each person on a journey of actualization...without ever making that trip clear to the viewer. The movements and actions are tragic and revealing, touching and devastating...and keep you intrigued until the very end. If you're looking for an upper, don't look here...however, if you're looking to drown your sorrows in some vodka...eureka!

4 out of 5 stars