The Russian film, Father and Son, is my latest contribution to Caroline’s World Cinema Series. The goal of the series is to watch a film from each country around the world.
Aleksandr Sokurov directed Father and Son and Sergei Potepalov wrote it. I saw this movie a couple of months ago at the British Film Institute. The father and son live in a rooftop apartment in an unnamed city along the seaside. They have been living together for years, are extremely close and have a set routine. At times, the relationship feels like they are lovers. On many occasions they have their shirts off around each other. The son, Alexei, is attending military school, following in his father’s footsteps. His girlfriend is resentful of Alexei’s relationship with his father. Alexei knows that it is completely natural for a son to leave the home, but he is torn. He loves his father and yet he wants to be his own man by leaving his father’s home.
I’ll be honest, while watching this film I was a bit confused about what it was really about. I like foreign films and I like art films, however this one fell flat for me. Not much happens in this film. It is only 1 hour and 23 minutes, but I’ve seen shorter films that tell more of a story. Afterwards though, I did enjoy discussing this film and trying to dissect it and to figure out what it was really about. If any of you have seen it and have any insight please let me know. I wonder if this is the type of film that should be seen a couple of times to understand it.
I really enjoyed my experience at the British Film Institute. It was during the holidays and the mood was festive. You can have a drink before and/or after the show. I was happy to see so many people enjoying themselves and having fun going to the movies. I’m hoping to see many more films there!
50 Year Project 
I like the idea of the British Film Institute but I won’t be rushing to see this film after your review.
It is a fun place to see a movie. This was an odd movie. I’m not sure if we weren’t meant to understand it or if I just missed the point completely.
I’ve had occasional film experiences like that, it can be rather unsatisfactory.
It was a little unsatisfactory. And to be honest, I felt a little stupid since I was like “huh, now what just happened.”
Great share and an awesome post!
Thanks Hook!
I absolutely had to read this review, because even though I speak Russian, lived in Russia for several years, grew up on Russian movies and literature, and even heard of Sokurov as a great director, I never saw any of his films!! I checked out his profile on imdb. He is a prolific director and directed many a documentary. I’ll try to watch this movie. I am sure I can find it online.
If you watch it let me know what you think. I would love to hear your input on it. I’m so jealous that you lived in Russia. That sounds like an experience. I wonder if you will understand the movie better since you’ve lived there and know the language. I’ve heard of the director and that was one of the reasons I selected this movie. I’d be curious to watch some of his documentaries.
A shame the movie didn’t work for you… it did sound good.. hmm will wait till it comes to TV:)
You might like. Let me know if you see it.
Thanks for the review and your opinion on this.
I do my best to be honest.
I can’t remember which blogger recently said about a book that it was a great book to discuss but not so interesting to read. Sounds a bit like that here. Your review made me still quite curious. What was it about, I wonder as well.
I used to go to a similar place in Paris and liked it a lot too.
That is a great way to describe this movie. I’ll have to remember that one. Please let me know your thoughts if you do watch it. It isn’t an exciting movie, but it would be fun to discuss with people. And if you can figure out what it was about that would be awesome. I love theaters like this one. There was a place in Denver Colorado that showed foreign films and I loved going there as well.
Great post 🙂
Thanks!
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