The Banishment (12A)

Thursday 17th September 2009
Andrei Zvyagintsev 2008 - 157 mins
Russia
Language: Russian

Held over from last season.  The economical method of storytelling with little dialogue and stunning scenery makes this an engrossing film.  Alex takes his wife and children to stay at his father's old house in the Russian countryside.  The idyllic surroundings provide a peaceful retreat from the city and Alex's ties with crime.  The promise of peace is soon shattered by some unwelcome news.

Score:    66.67%

Some members' comments:

An A, but so long!
Beautiful photography - not a minute too long.  what an intriguing ending.
Visual feast, great soundtrack.

Good photography - a bit grim.
Powerful story, extended pauses fitting (this time!)
Badly paced but got the Russian psyche pretty well.

Sel-indulgent and overlong.
Oh my God, when will it end!  Pretty setting though.