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Stalker is a slow-burning, philosophical science-fiction movie from Soviet Russia. Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky in 1979, the movie presents a post-apocalyptic setting, where a mysterious Zone has appeared, a secluded and dangerous territory where the laws of physics don't apply. The Zone is guarded by military forces, and anyone who tries to access it is shot dead. However, there are rumors that in the heart of the Zone, there is a room that grants the wishes of whoever enters it. To reach the room, one needs to pass through dangerous traps, hidden doors, and deceptions, navigating through the abstract and mystical structure of the Zone.

At the center of the story are three characters: the Stalker, a guide who leads people to the Zone; the Writer, who wants to explore the Zone to find inspiration for his writing; and the Professor, a physicist who wants to uncover the secrets of the Zone. Together, they undertake a perilous journey through the Zone, facing their fears and desires, and questioning the nature of reality.

The Stalker, played by Aleksandr Kaydanovskiy, is a mysterious and enigmatic figure who guides the Writer (Anatoliy Solonitsyn) and the Professor (Nikolay Grinko) through the Zone. The Stalker has a deep respect for the Zone and warns his companions about the dangers that they might face. He knows the tricks and traps of the Zone and has a sixth sense that helps him navigate through it. He serves as the philosophical center of the movie, delivering profound dialogues about the nature of faith, hope, and desire.

The Writer is a cynical and skeptical character who has lost his creativity and inspiration. He is frustrated with his life and his work, and he hopes that the Zone will give him a new perspective. As they journey deeper into the Zone, the Writer becomes increasingly philosophical and reflective, engaging in deep conversations with the Stalker and the Professor about the meaning of life and artistic creation.

The Professor is a rational and analytical scientist who sees the Zone as a phenomenon to be studied and explained. He is fascinated by the strange properties of the Zone and what they might reveal about the nature of the universe. As they progress through the Zone, the Professor gradually loses his scientific detachment and becomes emotionally involved in the journey.

Together, the trio reaches the room at the heart of the Zone after overcoming numerous obstacles, both physical and emotional. The room is nondescript, empty, and anticlimactic, but it holds a powerful meaning for each character. The Stalker reveals that the Zone is not about wishes but about testing one's faith and hopes, and the room is a test of character. The characters must face their innermost desires and overcome their fears and doubts.

Stalker is a poetic and philosophical movie that reflects on the human condition, the nature of desire, and the power of faith. The movie has a slow pace, and the journey through the Zone is metaphysical and abstract, with many long takes, minimal dialogue, and symbolic imagery. The movie is shot in a dull color palette, emphasizing the bleakness and desolation of the post-apocalyptic world. The music is minimalistic, consisting mainly of ambient sounds and natural noises.

In conclusion, Stalker is an art-house classic that demands patience and reflection, and that rewards viewers with a profound and moving experience. The movie resonates with themes such as existentialism, spirituality, and the quest for meaning in a world that seems devoid of it. Stalker is a must-watch for fans of science-fiction, philosophy, and experimental cinema.

Stalker is a 1979 science fiction movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 43 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0 and a MetaScore of 85.