This film should have been half as long. The first section, in particular, meanders for no reason. Mikhalkov is trying for a Checkovian mood, but all we get is a tired romantic triangle with a very obvious resolution. The second section, more political, is stronger, but occurs way too late in the film. The end is again very obvious and expected. To the last minute I hoped to be surprised, and was thoroughly disappointed. One can guess the events in this film literally 15 minutes before they happen.
I usually enjoy certain films with slow or deliberate rhythm, if they have artistic meaning, great style or emotional storyline. Burnt By The Sun is beautifully photographed, in that Eastern European "idyllic" style. Otherwise, it seemed to me empty like the hot air balloon with Stalin's image that features at the end. Full of obvious symbolism senseless parables, with characters drawn too broadly to keep us interested. Many reviewers have remarked on the touching scenes between Mikhalov and his daughter. These are strong scenes, but unfortunately they are the only touching scenes in this very long film. You wish the movie could have focused more on this relationship and less on the extended family and the political parable.
This must have been a labor of love for Mikhalkov, who acted, wrote, directed and featured his own child in the movie. When Pulp Fiction received the Palm D'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, instead of Burnt By The Sun, Mikhalkov was incensed, and commented about Masterpieces being overlooked. I am sorry to report that this movie is no Masterpiece. It is a boring, slow paced, uninteresting film that goes on too long. At least for this viewer.
I usually enjoy certain films with slow or deliberate rhythm, if they have artistic meaning, great style or emotional storyline. Burnt By The Sun is beautifully photographed, in that Eastern European "idyllic" style. Otherwise, it seemed to me empty like the hot air balloon with Stalin's image that features at the end. Full of obvious symbolism senseless parables, with characters drawn too broadly to keep us interested. Many reviewers have remarked on the touching scenes between Mikhalov and his daughter. These are strong scenes, but unfortunately they are the only touching scenes in this very long film. You wish the movie could have focused more on this relationship and less on the extended family and the political parable.
This must have been a labor of love for Mikhalkov, who acted, wrote, directed and featured his own child in the movie. When Pulp Fiction received the Palm D'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, instead of Burnt By The Sun, Mikhalkov was incensed, and commented about Masterpieces being overlooked. I am sorry to report that this movie is no Masterpiece. It is a boring, slow paced, uninteresting film that goes on too long. At least for this viewer.