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Created Apr 23, 2011 09:10AM PST • Edited Apr 23, 2011 09:10AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   OK 2.5

   Considered by many to be one of the best films ever made, Andrei Rublev is a sweeping epic about a 15th Century Russian priest by that name who was known for his religious icon paintings. Filmed by the legendary Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky, it is a massive 220 minute story, broken into different “chapters”.

   Tarkovsky utilized non-traditional storytelling and plot devices for this film. While the film was loosely based in the life of the painter, oftentimes, he merely watches the story around him, or in some cases is not present at all. The film relies on symbolism, such as horses struggling to stand meant to represent the struggle of humanity.

   I had a hard time with this film. It took until at least halfway through before I began to understand Tarkovsky’s style, especially his use of bizarre imagery. The film was shown only once in Russia before being banned for almost twenty years by the atheist government. It highlights the brutal oppression many experienced by the feudal parties who each wanted to rule the country. Not understanding some of the politics of that time hindered my ability to fully appreciate the action, or understand what I was witnessing. The optional directors commentary was helpful in bringing some of those themes into focus for me, but nevertheless it still was a struggle.

   Tarkovsky was know for using innovative camera shots, such as large battles filmed by a stationary camera, utilizing hundreds of extras. He utilized life animals, especially horses, and in one case a flaming cow, as symbolic vehicles.

   I would caution any potential viewer of this film to research about Tarkovsky and Rublev before venturing into his cinematic artwork. It may help you better appreciate the richness of his films.

4. Acting

   OK 2.5

   All of the actors in this film were good in the portrayal of people being victimized by different armies, yet know of them stood out for me.

5. Male Stars OK 2.5

6. Female Stars OK 2.5

7. Female Costars OK 2.5

8. Male Costars OK 2.5

10. Film

    Barely OK 2.0

11. Direction Good 3.0

    I’ll give props to Tarkovsky for some of his creative shots, and his use of hundreds of extras in portraying war scenes, without the use of CGI.

12. Play Pretty Bad 1.5

    At 220 minutes, it felt like it lasted 320 minutes.

13. Music Pretty Bad 1.5

    A bizarre mix of church music, with soft, mourning-sounding songs, and what seemed like a pan-flute. Suffice it to say I won’t be buying the soundtrack anytime soon.

14. Visuals OK 2.5
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 2.0

17. Sex Titillating 1.6

    Far away shots of naked people running through a forest to an orgy, but no clearly visible nudity.

18. Violence Brutal 2.8

    People are stabbed, strangled, and attempted rape. Horses are really killed, and cows are set on fire.

19. Rudeness Polite 1.5

    No swear words.

21. Reality

    Natural 1.0

22. Circumstantial Natural 1.0

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0