Watch Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors

Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors, directed by Sergei Parajanov, is a Ukrainian film released in 1965. It tells the story of Ivan, a young man living in a remote village in the Carpathian Mountains of Western Ukraine. The film's plot follows Ivan as he falls in love with Marichka, the daughter of a sorcerer, and experiences the trials and tribulations of life in a small, mountainous community.

The film is set in the 19th century and offers a unique insight into the traditional Hutsul culture of the Carpathians. The film's style, which is sometimes referred to as poetic or magic realism, is characterized by its use of visual metaphors, dream sequences, and a non-linear narrative structure. The movie's stunning cinematography, which showcases the natural beauty of the Carpathians, is one of the aspects of Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors that received critical acclaim.

The film opens with a scene of a funeral procession in the village, where we learn that Ivan's father has recently died. As a result of the loss, Ivan becomes increasingly isolated and turns to other forms of companionship to fill the void. It's in this context that Ivan meets Marichka, a young woman who lives in a neighboring village. The two quickly fall in love, but their relationship is complicated by the feud between Ivan's and Marichka's families. Ivan's family is Christian, and Marichka's is pagan. The two families don't approve of their relationship and go to great lengths to keep them apart.

At the start of the film, we meet Ivan as a young boy, and the character ages throughout the movie. As he grows up, he experiences different phases of the human condition, from passion and love to anger and grief. We see Ivan battle against the traditions of his village, and his love for Marichka ultimately causes him to break away from his family and community. The film conveys Ivan's spiritual quest, and he ultimately becomes aware of his connection to his land and ancestors.

The themes of love and death run throughout the movie, and the different instances of these two themes illustrate how the characters' emotions can connect people through time and death. Also, the film's title, Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors, is a central metaphor throughout the story. It suggests how the ways of thinking and living of the ancients have been dimly, yet crucially, incorporated into our modern existence. Parajanov uses the visual imagery of Ivan's spiritual journey to convey this sense of metaphysical continuity with the past.

The film's use of camera framing and distinctive, fluid camerawork make the viewer feel as if they're walking through the Carpathian mountains and witnessing life in the village first-hand. Furthermore, the movie's sound effects, music, and religious symbols all work together to create a deeply immersive cinematic experience.

Overall, Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors is a unique and visually captivating film that blends traditional Ukrainian culture with a poetic, almost surrealistic visual style. It's a testament to Parajanov's remarkable vision that decades after its release, the movie continues to inspire audiences worldwide. The film's depiction of Ukrainian folklore and religion and its visceral portrayal of the human experience make it a cinematic masterpiece that must be seen to be believed.