Featured Audience Ratings

• Dan S

  
  A dark, unsettling look at two boys who struggle to come to grips with their father's (Konstantin Lavronenko) sudden return to their family after a 12 year absence, and how he takes them on a camping trip that turns into a test of each one's masculinity. Although the amount… More
  A dark, unsettling look at two boys who struggle to come to grips with their father's (Konstantin Lavronenko) sudden return to their family after a 12 year absence, and how he takes them on a camping trip that turns into a test of each one's masculinity. Although the amount of ambiguity the film contains tends to be a little annoying at the conclusion given the film's unwillingness to give really any answers, director Andrei Zvyagintsev's point is clearly to have you as confused as the boys who are being mentally tortured by their father. Throw in a sudden, shocking twist 3/4 of the way through that is impossible to see coming, some beautiful still photography, and the fact that the actor who plays the older boy (Vladimir Garin) died a day before the film's release due to a similar accident that takes place in the film, it is a very memorable, unmistakably powerful little movie. Not for all tastes to be sure, as this is an art-house film inside and out, but a watchable one.

• familiar s

  
  This family trip moving in a thrilling manner is quiet captivating for what it is, but then somehow I'd got the notion that the genius was going to end it leaving behind pieces for us to put together..... and that didn't suit my taste. Disappointing for what it gives away,… More
  This family trip moving in a thrilling manner is quiet captivating for what it is, but then somehow I'd got the notion that the genius was going to end it leaving behind pieces for us to put together..... and that didn't suit my taste. Disappointing for what it gives away, but entertaining for what it maintains: the thrill. Wish the mysterious touch was as satisfying as the thrill. Yet, it's still worth a watch IMO. And I've a feeling that you're less bound to be disappointed by the genius touch that disappointed me. P.S. If you feel that the above comment includes any spoiler, kindly note that it's absolutely unintentional. Find one at your own risk and pleasure.

• Emil K

  
  Zvyagintsev wants clearly to be new Tarkovsky with touches of Antonioni, but he is only a poor copycat. Drowns into its own self-importance.

• Aditya G

  
  Sometimes some seemingly ordinary situations in the lives of common people can serve as premises of highly extraordinary films such as Andrei Zvyagintsev's 2003 film, "The Return (Vozvrashcheniye)". Somewhere in a remote part of Russia, two boys, Andrei (Vladimir… More
  Sometimes some seemingly ordinary situations in the lives of common people can serve as premises of highly extraordinary films such as Andrei Zvyagintsev's 2003 film, "The Return (Vozvrashcheniye)". Somewhere in a remote part of Russia, two boys, Andrei (Vladimir Garin) and his younger brother Ivan (Ivan Dobronravov) reside with their mother and granny. Everything seems fine and the brothers share a fine brotherly chemistry. The status quo is suddenly disturbed when the boys' father (Konstantin Lavronenko) who'd been gone for an estimated period of 12 long years returns home. Where he had been and whence he had returned isn't disclosed by their mother when they inquisitively question her. "He just came back", she replies and leaves it at that! The boys begin to wonder why he returned after that long a time and discuss all sorts of theories. They even dig up an old photograph of the whole family taken when Ivan was a baby to convince themselves that the man who has returned is indeed their father! [img]https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JCRL5RZd-iQ/TlUrXh2c8CI/AAAAAAAACAY/ejg6NNG4qIk/vlcsnap-2011-08-23-21h40m01s202.jpg[/img] At (apparently) their mother's request, the boys' father takes them out on a fishing trip the next day. Now, considering that these kids have absolutely no emotional attachment (not surprisingly) whatsoever with this man who says he is their father, it becomes a pretty challenging task to suddenly obey him as he tries to exercise his right over them as a father would. The whole exercise seems to be clearly awkward for the father as well, who also doesn't seem to exhibit any real connection with the kids. While the older Andrei tries his level best to adjust to his newly returned father's whims, the younger Ivan takes a rebellious stand and refuses to comply with his father's authoritative demeanor. [img]https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-a1sbdTpW_BI/TlUrXi72UqI/AAAAAAAACAU/9nJitzN_Mv4/vlcsnap-2011-08-23-21h43m17s133.jpg[/img] Ivan's attitude towards his father grows more negative as he begins to suspect his father may be involved in something and has returned only for selfish reasons! What starts off as a fun, adventurous fishing trip and a perfect means of bonding with a long absconding father, turns out to be an ultimate test of endurance that would change the brothers' lives forever..... [img]https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HsKt5Ccmr1A/TlUrQ7QvLEI/AAAAAAAACAQ/BPjWNpHDr7c/vlcsnap-2011-08-23-21h36m56s243.jpg[/img] "The Return" manages to grip you from its very first frame. Each scene is intelligently written and drives home important facets of each character; right from that first scene in which some neighbourhood boys are showing off their guts by jumping in a nearby lake from a considerable height. Young Ivan who is scared of heights just sits there and cries as other kids call him "chicken" and move along. It is a pivotal scene, the importance of which, one will only realize later in the film. There are moments of subtle brilliance all throughout the film like one scene in which, as the father parks his truck near a diner, he ogles at a couple of young ladies passing by through the rearview mirror. The look on Ivan's face is priceless as he catches his father in the act. "The Return" is full of such fine moments and more which are best left for the viewer to find out. [img]https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vNU2W0hq0BE/TlUrQhr4drI/AAAAAAAACAM/Lsuaw6pvj3w/vlcsnap-2011-08-23-21h32m51s98.jpg[/img] "The Return" succeeds with flying colours in the primary departments of Screenplay, Direction, Cinematography and Acting. It is amazing how effortlessly the events unfold on screen and how deftly director Andrei Zvyagintsev handles some of the most challenging scenes in the film. Ten on ten points go out to Mikhail Krichman for his brilliant cinematography. Behold how his camera lovingly captures some of the most picturesque shots of the rain-drenched Russian countryside with colours and clarity one can only dream of! Acting is bravura all throughout but the real hero of the film is the youngest actor Ivan Dobronravov who impresses the most with his outstanding performance. Watch the lad deliver an affecting performance with such ease, it is extremely difficult to even believe that a camera was there and he actually rehearsed all those scenes! "The Return" may end on a note that may be a tad underwhelming to some for its abruptness as some plot details are withheld and left for the viewer to interpret. But perhaps that is beyond the point. The scope of the film is only clear long after we reach the ending credits, and in the end, after some pondering, we realize that the conclusion is befitting indeed! 9/10 for this Russian gem. Films like "The Return" are hard to come by. Embrace it with open arms!

• Anthony L

  
  Andrei Zvyagintsev made a huge leap from TV advertisements to film, this film is a work of art! At times it was like being in a Whistler painting, fantastic! The acting, pace and story are all good too but I have to be honest and say I felt just a little bit cheated at the end! Still,… More
  Andrei Zvyagintsev made a huge leap from TV advertisements to film, this film is a work of art! At times it was like being in a Whistler painting, fantastic! The acting, pace and story are all good too but I have to be honest and say I felt just a little bit cheated at the end! Still, great film!

• Bruce B

  
  The Return aka: ??????????? . This is a Russian Film sold by Kino International (Check there website). It fits in the category of World Cinema. It is in Russian with English Subtitles. The director Andrei Zvyagintsev has put out 3 other films, all I am told are very good. Each and… More
  The Return aka: ??????????? . This is a Russian Film sold by Kino International (Check there website). It fits in the category of World Cinema. It is in Russian with English Subtitles. The director Andrei Zvyagintsev has put out 3 other films, all I am told are very good. Each and every Kino International Film that I have watch has been very good. I am sure there are some who would disagree with me, and I am sure there are most wouldn't even pickup a Kino Film. But this one is worth 5 stars, its about 2 boys who come home one day to find their father who has been out of there life?s for 12 years, no explanation as to where he has been, sailor, prisoner, or gangster, we do not know or are we told. The father takes the boys on a trip, one boy shows his father respect and is kind, the other hates the man and makes his life miserable. many twist throughout. Its a must see, acting is beyond, above the bar, nothing but great. 5 stars nothing less, put away Spiderman and pick up a different film, once you see one of this type you might not go back to the common stuff. Its in my collection.

• Luke B

  
  Fantastically shot and all round perfect. A complex and tense relationship is developed between the father and the boys and it builds to a stunning climax. The film is slow paced but it is worth it as every second should be savoured by the audience. This film is striking.

• Ross C

  
  A very bleak coming of age tale that is "all about the art", though I just don't get the point of it all.

• Pierluigi P

  
  powerful freudian tale. great debut for director Andrei Zvyagintsev, who approaches the story with the same laid back misticism of his compatriot Tarkovski.

• Lanning :

  
  (<i>Vozvrashcheniye</i>) Beautifully shot, this movie holds a surprise ending which might be difficult to anticipate, but is finally most welcome. Sometimes it may be better that a man who abandons his family not return. Big points to Konstantin Lavronenko for playing… More
  (<i>Vozvrashcheniye</i>) Beautifully shot, this movie holds a surprise ending which might be difficult to anticipate, but is finally most welcome. Sometimes it may be better that a man who abandons his family not return. Big points to Konstantin Lavronenko for playing this bastard of a father to perfection.

• Mike N

  
  All you need to do this Easter is... [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/neumdaddy/easter.jpg[/img] ...Smile! *flies to Denver*

• Daniel P

  
  Some of the most beautiful cinematography I have ever seen, great child performances, and an ambivalent, tense story. Just short of masterpiece.

• Stephen E

  
  I wasn't sure where "The Return" was headed for its first hour, and I can't say that I know what the film is fully about because I don't, but it builds to a tense, meaningful finale that strikes a poignant chord. Andrei Zvyagintsev establishes a drab and cold… More
  I wasn't sure where "The Return" was headed for its first hour, and I can't say that I know what the film is fully about because I don't, but it builds to a tense, meaningful finale that strikes a poignant chord. Andrei Zvyagintsev establishes a drab and cold atmosphere that is effectively captured by Mikhail Krichman's exquisite and often beautiful cinematography. It's a quietly haunting tale of courage that can be frustratingly slow at times, but it's well-handled.

• Daisy M

  
  Russian director Andrey Zvyaginstev's film, The Return, was the story of a father who returned to his family after an unexplained absence of 12 years and took his 2 teenage sons Andrei and Ivan, on a fishing trip. This film won the grand prize at the Venice Film Festival and was… More
  Russian director Andrey Zvyaginstev's film, The Return, was the story of a father who returned to his family after an unexplained absence of 12 years and took his 2 teenage sons Andrei and Ivan, on a fishing trip. This film won the grand prize at the Venice Film Festival and was nominated for so many awards that year, due that film was a beauty and real about the complex bonds between a father and his 2 sons and the need to discover themselves. Director Zvyaginstev left much unexplained and let the viewer think for themselves. Andrei seek for his father's approval but Ivan was rebellious, convinced that they have been kidnapped by a gangster. It was clear that the boys needed their father but were scared by his tough love. From a cinematographic viewpoint, the film displayed a marvelous script, good acting, a talented directing and a beautiful cinematography.

• Emily B

  
  The Russians certainly know how to make beautiful films! Very reminiscent of Tarkovsky. Stunning visuals with beautiful muted blue cinematography. The two young leads are fantastic. I was sad to learn that Vladimir Garin, who played Andrey, passed away on the day the film premiered in… More
  The Russians certainly know how to make beautiful films! Very reminiscent of Tarkovsky. Stunning visuals with beautiful muted blue cinematography. The two young leads are fantastic. I was sad to learn that Vladimir Garin, who played Andrey, passed away on the day the film premiered in Russia. One of the best films of the decade and a must see.

Read all 15 featured audience ratings