Ostrov is a 2006 Russian movie (112 min., English title “The Island”), directed by Pavel Lungin, written by Dmitri Sobolev. Aesthetically resembling (schematically) a somewhat faster Tarkovsky, Ostrov is a movie of hard work yet seemingly simple, which shows maturity. It can be watched as a modern Vita (Life) of a saint. The movie became instantly popular in Russia, which also confirms Orthodoxy as a social factor despite the various falls of the Russian society.
In Ostrov one has also a chance to understand differences between real faith and the quasi-religious artificial new age dreams. Here man is conscious of his sin and fall, as he is conscious of the existence and identity of God, without even losing his familiarity with Him. Their relationship is real and fruitful. People are tried, their suffer is real and is healed by this relationship, reflected also in human relations.
Many people in the West also appreciated the power of this movie. Here are excerps from imdb reviews.
“Everything is great about this movie. The story is really short to get you into the mood in the orgasmic kind of way, and it will keep you at the edge of your sit to the very last second. Beautiful actors. The film is shot in beautiful widescreen – an absolutely breathtaking cinematography. The only thing bad about this movie is that it is too short!!!! Don’t get me wrong, it is a full-length film, but it’s ended just a couple of hours earlier than I expected. Just watch it! You will not regret it.”
“This movie is absolutely great. Greatly filmed, greatly directed, greatly acted. But thats nothing to what hides behind all the image, where this movie becomes a masterpiece. Its about a life of a man, who made a sin, and all his life have been asking god to forgive him for his sin. In his praying he have got a power to help other people to get rid of their sins.”
Sylvain
This is a movie I definitely should watch. Thank you for writing a review about it! As far as Orthodoxy in Russia is concerned, not everything seems rosy, however. Bishop Hilarion of Austria recently pointed out that the lifestyle of Russians is becoming increasingly Westernized, and that Russians will consequently become more secularized and turn away from religion. We can only hope that such movies will help resist this trend.
Anda
Have a blessed Lent!
pelerinul88
Un film fascinant…am plins cind l-am vazut…merita sa-l priviti! Dumnezeu sa ne ajute si sa ne miluiasca pe toti…
vikas
Hi!This is awesome blog.Ostrov is a nice movie represents orthodox Christianity.
Thanks for reading.