Andrei Rublev - Criterion Collection

Rating:
Summary: Film perfection!
Review: I'm going to have to jump on the bandwagon for this one, and say it's great. The most beautiful cinematography I've seen, wonderful directing, acting, and story make this film instantly a favorite. I would recommend it to anyone. And the commentary on the DVD is perfect and non-intrusive (along with the other DVD "extras"). A flawless film.

Rating:
Summary: Life and Times of Andrei
Review: This cinematic account of the life of Russia's great fifteenth century icon painter is brilliantly directed by Ivan Tarkovsky, with superb period detail and cinematography. The film seems to be more a portrait of Roublev's world than of Roublev's life, but in painting that world Tarkovsky provides a series of amazing set pieces that evoke the mystery and violence of those times. The bloodiness and savagery surrounding Roublev is brought home most viscerally in his depiction of the Tartar sack of the Russian city of Vladimir, but other disturbing scenes include the violent execution of a local ruler and the blinding of a troupe of craftsmen by the forces of a Grand Prince seeking to prevent them from entering into the service of his brother. The scene in which Roublev, a monk, stumbles into a pagan mating ritual reinforces both the tenuous existence of Christianity in 15th Century Russia and Roublev's own divided nature. Solonitze plays Roublev as a passive observer, but he offers a sympathetic peg on which the rest of the film hangs. He is ably supported by Ivan Lapikov as Kiril, a fellow monk, lesser artist, sometime friend, and sometime enemy to Roublev; Nikolai Sergeyev as Theophanes the Greek, Roublev's mentor; Nikolai Burlyaev as the young bell-maker in the final sequence; and Irma Rausch as the holy fool Roublev protects. At three hours, the film is long, but it is never boring, although Roublev's role as more of an observer than a participant in his times makes the narrative thread a little difficult to follow at times.

Rating:
Summary: Masterpiece
Review: By all accounts one of the greatest pieces of art ever put to film. Words do it little justice. Tarkovsky may be the greatest filmmaker of the 20th century.

Rating:
Summary: A masterpiece given due, regal trappings by Criterion
Review: A monumental work - the definitive film on the creative impulse and the consequential search for perfection (masterfully framed as the story of a 14th century monk). From its haunting, seemingly incongrous beginning (think of it as a "visual overture", synopsising the film's themes much like an opera's overture does for its musical motifs) to its devastating ending, Rublev is awe inspiring in its depth, scope, and artistry. A sometimes difficult film whose rewards go beyond today's most extravagant expectations out of film. Its imagery and final claim haunt me, informing my thoughts and responses.

Rating:
Summary: I believe Adrei Rublev is the finest film ever made
Review: Poetic film that reaches the level of profundity. Filmmaking at its absolute finest. Hyptnotic like Bergman's Persona or Antonioni's La Notte, yet the imagery far surpasses. The images that Tarkovsky puts before the screen often leave the viewer dumbfounded. Brilliant. The epitome of film as art.

Rating:
Summary: Tarkovsky's best film- and therefore, one of cinema's
Review: Consider Steven Speilberg a lucky man- he is one of the few "great visionary" directors who has had a large body of work to his name. Most others, such as Kubrick, only did a handful of films, although each is well remembered. Tarkovsky is one of those who was unfortunate to die early- in his late fifties, I think- and leave behind an impressive resume. This is the best of his seven (circulated) films, and has to be watched more than once to be fully appreciated. The performances, most of which are by highly talented actors who would never be seen in anything else, will be remembered as long as films are shown, and the photography is some of the best black-and-white work that has been done. This could be the best epic of the sixties. Make sure you're concentrating when you watch it- its perfect for a rainy day. Co-scripted by Andrei Konochlavsky, who would later go on to direct "Runaway Train."

Rating:
Summary: Possibly the greatest film ever made
Review: It may sound odd, and probably is, but there are very few films that one could seriously call the greatest film ever made. Intolerance by Griffith, Rules of the Game by Renoir and Citizen Kane by Welles are three obvious possibilities, but this film by Tarkovsky seems the greatest of these in scope, in art, and in depth of vision.

Rating:
Summary: Slow-moving, but hypnotically beautiful
Review: This movie may require multiple viewings. It takes its time dealing with the subject of the soul of an artist from an seemingly aloof camera viewpoint. It's strangely hypnotic, filled with gorgeous black-and-white imagery. Not in everyone's taste, but anyone who loves the art of cinema should give the movie a try.

Rating:
Summary: The best movie I have ever seen.
Review: The brilliant masterpiece from any point of view. The best camera work, acting, cinematography and lighting I have ever seen on screen. You feel like you're in a dream watching it because of the camera angles, pace and people's expressions. Filled with so much love for people and God, that it makes you think that this film does not belong here among us. Tarkovsky had made only 5 movies in his life. Each - a tribute to humanity.

Rating:
Summary: beautiful movie
Review: This movie is A. Tarkovsky's greatest achievment. It's easily one of the ten best movies ever made. Should be watched by anybody who wonders what is the Russian soul.