This movie can be many things for different viewers, as they interpret it using their pre-existing knowledge...
(SPOILERS AHEAD)
... but quite simply it's the retelling of the most prolific story in modern history. That story is of course Genesis. Take if you will the following pieces Existence, God, Angels, Eden, Adam and Eve, expulsion from Eden, the Three Wise Men, thinking in circles for meaning, no encompassing answer, getting back to Eden.
Take those pieces and creatively disguise them as a moving painting, so as to take away pre-conceptions and allow you to think anew. Plug in the lights and raise the curtain.
Watch the drama unfold with discussions of existence and morality, the battle of faith and science, and the force of will from player to player. Contemplate the player's contemplations, till your head spins with unanswerable questions as does their's. Let the trains of thought stretch so far, that you can't see the beginning, nor the end, and that the rules of religion, science, and politics have no practical application.
Finally, with no clear answer, start back at the beginning (like our main character), which will hopefully lead to a path with an answer. Step and repeat.
"Thought the title said 'Simple Solyaris' what the (bleep) did all that mean?"
Simply put, this is a complete 165-minute contemplation of life. You sprinkle as much or as little seasoning as you like, according to your tastes. Enjoy.
(SPOILERS END)
Lastly, an additional note for the remake... with a Western point of view, that's more practical and less Eastern mystical, if you get my meaning, I believe the 2002 Solaris remake is just as good as the original. It's not possible to call one better than the other, since they are artistically different and reflect their period of creation. I believe they are equally potent and make great companions, not rivals.
(SPOILERS AHEAD)
... but quite simply it's the retelling of the most prolific story in modern history. That story is of course Genesis. Take if you will the following pieces Existence, God, Angels, Eden, Adam and Eve, expulsion from Eden, the Three Wise Men, thinking in circles for meaning, no encompassing answer, getting back to Eden.
Take those pieces and creatively disguise them as a moving painting, so as to take away pre-conceptions and allow you to think anew. Plug in the lights and raise the curtain.
Watch the drama unfold with discussions of existence and morality, the battle of faith and science, and the force of will from player to player. Contemplate the player's contemplations, till your head spins with unanswerable questions as does their's. Let the trains of thought stretch so far, that you can't see the beginning, nor the end, and that the rules of religion, science, and politics have no practical application.
Finally, with no clear answer, start back at the beginning (like our main character), which will hopefully lead to a path with an answer. Step and repeat.
"Thought the title said 'Simple Solyaris' what the (bleep) did all that mean?"
Simply put, this is a complete 165-minute contemplation of life. You sprinkle as much or as little seasoning as you like, according to your tastes. Enjoy.
(SPOILERS END)
Lastly, an additional note for the remake... with a Western point of view, that's more practical and less Eastern mystical, if you get my meaning, I believe the 2002 Solaris remake is just as good as the original. It's not possible to call one better than the other, since they are artistically different and reflect their period of creation. I believe they are equally potent and make great companions, not rivals.