From Russia, another of cinema's great debuts. Andrey Zvyagintsev's "The Return" is another harsh, unsentimental and, I suppose, decidedly Russian look at childhood, (from Donskoi to Tarkovsky Russian cinema has always handled the theme of childhood beautifully). Here, an absent father shows up unexpectedly after twelve years as if out of nowhere to take his two young sons on a fishing trip. What's the reasoning behind it? Where is the connection?
As he went on to show in his later films, Zvyagintsev is a consummate film-maker with an exquisite eye for landscape; the places in his films are as much characters as the people and "The Return" is an incredible looking film. He's also a great director of children, drawing superb performances from Vladimir Garin, (who tragically drowned the year "The Return" was made, at the age of sixteen), and Ivan Dobronravov as the two brothers; you really get a feeling they are related and not merely acting. As their father, Konstantin Lavronenko is a taciturn, mysterious presence. Part thriller, part family drama "The Return" makes for challenging, demanding viewing and in its unsentimental way is often very moving. A key work of 21st century cinema thus far.
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