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Reviews
Tini zabutykh predkiv (1965)
Layer after layer peeling the Carpathian soul
Parajanov's Shadows of Our Forgotten Ancestors is in its entirety an insightful and extremely beautiful portrayal of the backward Ukrainian culture near the Carpathians. Though the depiction of a culture completely alien to most of us is the chief attraction of the movie, it is also an excellent display of Parajanov's exemplary use of colours and effects and a distinct montage. The movie, for all I understood, is about the burden that our forefathers have laded us with when they left this world leaving us with their loads and traditions to carry while yearning to join them. The storyline also features the protagonist's ruined life and failed relationship as he clings to the memory of his dead first (and only) love who died under tragical circumstances. The movie is also constructed of layers upon layers of biblical metaphors, allusions and also draws a lot of its symbols from the Carpathian nature and paganism.
A completely alien movie, but at the same time an unbelievable experience. Try it.
The Duellists (1977)
Nice, but what has it got to do with anything?
My main problem with the movie was its complete lack of depth: the characters remained completely aloof and distant which made the whole movie feel very, very, very distant altogether. The reason for this, at least for me, was that the motives and personalities of the two protagonists were at best vague: nowhere did anyone ever explain why Honour is such a big thing for anyone and why should two completely reasonable men be compelled to fight to the death because of honour. Other than that the movie had no serious flaws - except that the costumes and fashions of 19th century are just too goddamn gay. And Keith Carradine's performance was also very gay - too gay in fact. I couldn't stand it without an occasional burst of laughter. Oh yes and the settings were completely fabulous; they must've spent hours on hours looking for the right places. All in all it was completely enjoyable and pointless movie.