Watch The Return

The Return is a Russian film from 2003, directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev. The movie is set in a small town, and follows the story of two young brothers, Andrey and Vanya, who live with their mother. The father of the boys, who they have not seen for 12 years, suddenly returns, and takes the boys on a fishing trip. The boys soon realize that this is more than just a fishing trip, and that their father has a hidden agenda.

The movie is shot in a slow, contemplative style, with long takes and minimal dialogue, that allows the audience to fully immerse themselves in the characters' emotions and experiences. The cinematography is visually stunning, capturing the bleak beauty of the Russian landscape, and the naturalistic performances by the actors add to the authenticity of the story.

The acting in The Return is exceptional, particularly that of the two young leads, Vladimir Garin (Andrey) and Ivan Dobronravov (Vanya), who give nuanced, naturalistic performances that are beyond their years. Konstantin Lavronenko, who plays the boys' father, is also fantastic, portraying a complex character with depth and subtlety.

The themes of abandonment, loss, and the search for identity are all explored in The Return, as the boys grapple with the sudden reappearance of their father, and try to piece together their fractured family history. The movie also touches on larger themes of post-Soviet Russian society, including the role of men and fathers, and the search for a sense of belonging and purpose in a changing world.

The Return is a slow-paced, contemplative movie, that rewards patience and close attention. It is a stunning achievement, both in terms of its technical craft and its emotional resonance. The movie went on to win numerous awards, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, and cemented Zvyagintsev's place as one of the most exciting filmmakers of his generation.

Overall, The Return is a haunting, beautiful movie that will stay with the viewer long after the final credits have rolled. It is a masterful exploration of complex themes and emotions, brought to life by exceptional performances and stunning visual storytelling.

The Return is a 2003 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 82.