Ostrov (The Island), NTSC version with English subtitles
by Pavel Lungin
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Dmitri Dyuzhev, Pyotr Mamonov, Viktor Sukhorukov, Viktoriya Isakova, Yana YesipovichDirector: Pavel Lungin
DVD: Region Code 0
Audio: Russian (Unknown); English (Subtitled); Russian (Subtitled); Russian (Original Language)
Format: Import, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Running Time: 112 minutes
Published: 2006
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: VOX - Video
Product features:
- - English subtitles
- - Anamorphic Widescreen
Movie Reviews of Ostrov (The Island), NTSC version with English subtitles
Movie Review: Sublime and powerful
Summary: 5 Stars
'The Island' is a film that, for me, came out of nowhere. Not only did I not know about its popularity and success in Russia, I'd never even heard of it. Now it's not so odd that I'm unaware of a particular film - especially those produced outside the U.S. - but after viewing this remarkable effort, I find it very surprising that it hasn't garnered more critical attention and vocal support here in the States, and I'm absolutely flabbergasted that it's not even in stock at this time (and I don't get flabbergasted easily).
All kidding aside, 'The Island' is one of most artistic endeavors I've yet seen dealing with deep-seated questions concerning faith and redemption. Set primarily in the Soviet years of the 1970's, the story opens though with a flashback to World War II, where Anatoly (Pyotr Mamonov) is captured by the Germans while working on a tug boat full of coal. In order to save his own life, he is forced to take that of his companion, Tikhon - but salvation is short lived. The Germans pull a doublecross and blow up the tug. Somehow, Anatoly survives and is rescued by Russian Orthodox monks from a nearby monastery.
Flash forward then thirty years, and Anatoly is still with the monks. Nominally referred to as Father Anatoly, he is not a member of the order, but over the years, he has gained a reputation as a holy man, and people come to him as they believe he can tell the future, heal the sick, and cast out demons. That he actually has such powers is accepted within the framework of the film, though Anatoly himself suffers the torments of the damned from his traitorious actions of thirty years earlier.
This is a visually arresting movie, set in an unnamed area of wintry Russia, and as the viewer follows the plight of Anatoly as he searches for forgiveness, we are also treated to the stark landscape of the monastery and the distant island Anatoly retreats to in order to send his entreaties heavenward. The monks of the monastery are still unsure about their mad brother, even after all the time he's spent beside them, and at times are more concerned with his failure to follow their rites correctly than whether or not he truly has powers granted to him by God. To make matters worse, Anatoly seems to be able to look inside his fellow monks as well, and see their hidden sins. They do not take it well that he chooses to reveal this knowledge to them in the form of pranks and riddles.
I don't think I can recommend this film highly enough - not only to faith-based viewers, but to anyone interested in the universal themes of guilt and redemption. Patience is required though - sounding these sort of soulful depths is not quick nor easy. There are no shortcuts, and the tale is told with allegory and metaphor. Those in search of action and suspense would do well to look elsewhere.
This film bears repeated watching. As a layman, I thought I detected many references to the Christian Gospels, and I'm sure that I missed other clues intrinsic to Russian Orthodox beliefs. Some other reviewers made mention that this is a good movie to learn more about the rites of the Orthodox, but I'd have to disagree. What is shown is no more than a glimpse, something that would probably already be familiar to its Russian audience, but not integral to Anatoly's quest for forgiveness. Truthfully, this film trancends specific religious dogma and portrays one individuals approach to God. I'm sure there are many other fine places of information on the Orthodox Church, it's just that this film isn't that kind of source.
Often, these sorts of stories can be overbearing, almost clubbing the viewer on top of the head with their message. What is truly endearing about 'The Island' is that it isn't trying to evangelize. In its stark portrayel of humility, faith and forgiveness, though, it inspires something that can be as rare in religious circles as well as anywhere else - a feeling of sublime joy in all the challenges of being human while seeking a closeness with the Creator.
Summary of Ostrov (The Island), NTSC version with English subtitles
ENGLISH subtitled DVD !!! Import, NTSC (USA & Canada), ALL region, Anamorphic Widescreen. AUDIO OPTIONS: DD 2.0 Stereo, DD 5.1 & DTS RUSSIAN. Original Russian SYNOPSIS: Winner of 5 Nika Awards (Russian Oscars) including Best Film. Somewhere in Northern Russia in a small Russian Orthodox monastery lives a very unusual man. His fellow-monks are confused by his bizarre conduct. Those who visit the island believe that the man has the power to heal, exorcise demons and foretell the future. However, he considers himself unworthy because of a sin he committed in his youth. The film is a parable, combining the realities of Russian everyday life with monastic ritual and routine.Similar DVD Movies
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