The Return (Vozvrashcheniye) (2003)

I waited ages to recieve this movie and it is well worth the wait. A simple story told and shown with exceptional precision. Like finishing a good book I wished the movie could go on forever.

Russian movie with English subtitles. Was filmed (I think) in Saint Petersburg (or surroundings?) and at Lake Ladoga. Not feel good stuff, I agree, but so close to real life, there are many parents like depicted in this movie, quick to give orders rather than having a frank dialog with their children. I could easily identify with the younger boy... It can be interpreted as a movie about growing up, about gaining independence, finding strength in yourself rather then looking up to one's parents who dissappoint so much... At the same time, the movie has some quiet, contemplative qualities. There is lots of silence in it, lots of whispering, landscape shots, still shots, sounds of rain, etc. The style of shooting gives it some extra philosophical depth, puts it on a higher artistic plane. The extra features contain two trailers: one Russian and one international, each with different selection of scenes. Also there are comments from the movie's director, cameraman, producer, etc. Also one can see fragments of the audition tape of one of the boys (who sadly has drowned one year after finishing the movie). And what was in the box? I do not know; maybe ammunition? As for "political allegory" I do know know the story, will have to check on the Internet...

Not a fast moving film, but haunting. An interesting character study. Not feel good stuff.

I was engrossed by this film. It was not predictable in the least - the story was unusual and sad and the locations beautiful. The characters are completely believable, while at the same time, the sons and their produgal father seem unable to connect. The ending is sad and desolate but somehow satsifying, as the two boys learn to fend for themselves in a sticky situation. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, this film fits the bill.

Bleak as you would expect from a Russian film, but it has a lot of merit. The acting of the 2 young boys is superb and the story has depth. Just not a load of laughs.

Dour, but brilliant film. My wife complained about it all the way through but was still glued till the end. I still want to know what was in the box though.......that wasn't fair!

An absorbing movie, wonderfully acted and filmed. Highly recommended if you are looking for a change of pace from the usual fast paced Hollywood fare.

Good movie with excellent cast

An extraordinary movie with a strong mythic quality. Beautifully filmed and extraordinarily restrained and disciplined. If your sick of hyper-kinetic films this is a marvellous tonic.

I initially thought this was going to be a slow, boring movie, however we were quickly absorbed by this intriuging drama between an absent father (who returns to his wife and sons with no explanation for his absence) and his two sons - the older son keen to impress his father and the younger one who is resentful and bitter. A moody yet fascinating story that keeps you thinking long after it ends.

I didn't know of the careful allegory within The Return when I first watched it. The story of the two brothers whose father returns after a 10 year absence parallels the rise and fall of communist Russia. I loved the film, the kids' acting in particular, and afterward was astounded at the subtlety of its political commentary.

Gripping but mysterious and unexplained story of a father's lost relationship with his two sons. Could not stop watching, but was left wondering at the end. Recommended for any film lovers.

It seemed a really good movie but the subtitles are so fast is almost impossible to follow the images and the dialogue. A real pity, unless you speak that dialogue of Russian.

Def worth watching. I was surprised at the quality of acting and cinematography. A bit depressing, but then again this is often the case with great film!

One of the most visually beautiful films around, such composition! - a lesson for budding filmmakers.

Largely set in beautifully filmed yet bleak Russian wilderness landscapes, the tragic story explores the tenuous relationship between two young brothers and their strict, remote father who has returned after an unexplained absence of 12 years. A rather brutal, but caring taskmaster, he appears to be trying to make up for his neglect by compressing life’s lessons into a week long fishing and self discovery trip. Having long suffered a lack of paternal love, guidance and protection each boy deals with their father’s harsh affection in different ways. Though slow paced it’s compelling watching; viewers, like the boys, don’t really know what’s fully going on and anticipate answers will emerge. Wonderful acting, especially by the boys.

Intriguing but not sure where it was going.

A good drama

Brilliant!

Beautifully assembled, shot and paced, a small film with a punchy emotional kick-in-the-guts return.

Beautifully played and photographed, displaying a fondness for the characters that shines far beyond the harshness of life and conditions.

The sombre photography suit the sombre nature of this unusual movie which stays with you for long after the end credits. Yet the questions left unanswered help make the movie. The acting is superb - the two boys give flawless performances, while the father retains that unexplained air of mystery throughout the film.

Very good! great performances by both boys. Always guessing where the father has been, what has been up to in his life, why has he gone to such an isolated place. WHAT WAS IN THE BOX?

Laboured allegory rescued by some very fine performances and coherent visual style.

Great movie. Beautifully shot, good performances and an unusual story (if a little bit unresolved). Shots of regional Russia fascinating.

This movie stays with you long after it's over. The characters and their relationships are beautifully realised. It is quite a spare movie, not a lot said but so much subtext. Highly recommended

Very unusual and intelligent movie.

A long-lost father returns to take his two sons on a fishing trip - sound sentimental? Well, it ain't. The Return is a gripping thriller with a sense of menace, largely developed through the interaction of the father with his two sons. All acting is top rate, and the relationships depicted are authentic. One that leaves you thinking...

What opened as a drab little movie turned out to be an absorbing tale. Excellent acting, and tension was maintained to the end. Totally absorbing!