Mother and Son
by Aleksandr Sokurov
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Aleksei Ananishnov, Gudrun GeyerDirector: Aleksandr Sokurov
Brand: Kino International
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Subtitled); Russian (Original Language), Unknown
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.66:1
Running Time: 73 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2006-04-18
Audience Rating: Unrated
Model: 4272
Studio: Kino Video
Product features:
- MOTEHR AND SON MAT I SYN (DVD MOVIE)
Movie Reviews of Mother and Son
Movie Review: Intensely Sensitive, Hypnotizing, Original`
Summary: 5 Stars
"Mother and Son" by director Aleksandr Sokurov is a visual masterpiece of cinematography reminiscent of Impressionistic paintings by Monet, Renoir, and Cezanne. There are views of a cottage located near magnificent forested mountains, a plain with far vistas which is crossed by a steam engine train, plus a wooded area of birch trees and a path which leads to a lake. Each landscape creates a hypnotic effect on the viewer as the understated drama unfolds before our eyes. The camera and filters create a dream-like atmosphere which captures an often difficult emotional experience to convey on film ... the love between a mother and son. It is during the last stages of life, when the mother is dying, which makes the film cut even deeper into the heart and soul of the viewer. The camera is used to maximum effect via close ups of facial expressions which clearly captures the true emotions of each character.
What is most fascinating is that the director chose people who had never acted to play roles of the mother and son. This perhaps produces a purity of expression far more natural and real, as opposed to an over dramatization by professionals. The son speaks heartfelt words to his mother, asking her how she feels, whether she is hungry or thirsty. Her response is a beautiful and poetic description of being caught in a dream where a dark shadow is encroaching upon her, one from which she can not escape. Her son recites the same words as she does, which makes me think perhaps they are quoting a famous Russian poem which so eloquently encapsulates the feelings of the moment. Her mother's one request is to take a walk. The son seems incredulous and asks her again what is it she wants to do and she clearly says she wants to take a walk. He carries her in his arms to a bench where he sits her down and she lays down. He goes inside to find some reading material and discovers post cards sent long ago. He reads the postcards and sentiments which they express when life was carefree and joyous. She recalls the park and music played by the band and how once she danced to it. They engage in reminiscing about a life long ago. He takes her in his arms, carries her down a pathway to the sea ...
The next scenes are within the comfortable and functional cottage where the fireplace is lit. The mother is laying down on a bed which faces a window where she can see the beauty of the garden outside, the mountains and other natural surroundings. Her son strokes her hair while holding her in his arms, realizing the inevitable end is near. I have viewed two other films by Aleksandr Sokurov which I highly recommended: Russian Ark: The Masterworks Edition and Alexandra (Aleksandra) - with ENGLISH subtitles (PAL/R5 - Russian Import). Although each is very original and different from the other, they are definitely stamped with the artistic creativity of this sensitive, masterful and outstanding Russian director. Erika Borsos [pepper flower]
Summary of Mother and Son
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