The Sacrifice (1986)

At the dawn of World War III, a man searches for a way to restore peace to the world and finds he must give something in return.

Director:

Andrei Tarkovsky (as Andrei Tarkovskij)

Writer:

Andrei Tarkovsky (as Andrei Tarkovskij)

Stars:

Erland Josephson, Susan Fleetwood, Allan Edwall

Won 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 7 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Erland Josephson	...	Alexander
Susan Fleetwood	...	Adelaide
Allan Edwall	...	Otto
Guðrún Gísladóttir	...	Maria (as Guðrún S. Gísladóttir)
Sven Wollter	...	Victor
Valérie Mairesse	...	Julia
Filippa Franzén	...	Marta
Tommy Kjellqvist	...	Gossen
Per Källman	...	Ambulansförare
Tommy Nordahl	...	Ambulansförare
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Tintin Anderzon	...	(voice) (as Tintin Andersson)
Helena Brodin	...	(voice)
Birgit Carlstén	...	(voice)
Jane Friedmann	...	(voice)
Martin Lindström	...	(voice)

Storyline

Alexander, a journalist and former actor and philosopher, tells his little son how worried he is about the lack of spirituality of modern mankind. In the night of his birthday, the third world war breaks out. In his despair Alexander turns himself in a prayer to God, offering him everything to have the war not happen at all.

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Plot Keywords:

long take | witchcraft | religion | insanity | father son relationship | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film uses long takes more often than in Tarkovsky's previous films.

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Quotes

[first lines]
[sub-titled]
Alexander: Come here and give me a hand, my boy.

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Crazy Credits

Just before the film ends (in Swedish): "This film is dedicated to my son Andriosha - with hope and confidence. Andrei Tarkovskij"

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Connections

Referenced in First Reformed (2017)

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Soundtracks

Matthäus-Passion: Erbarme Dich
Music by Johann Sebastian Bach
Conducted by Wolfgang Gönnenwein
Sung by Julia Hamari
EMI-Electrola GmbH LC 0233

User Reviews

Beautiful, binding, and supremely terrifying.

It is difficult to find words expressive enough for Tarkovsky's final--and perhaps greatest--work. One could briefly explain some of the plot, but that would mean nothing. This is a film that speaks of terror, of faith, and above all, of binding promises. An intellectual, living in a remote and beautiful cottage is celebrating his birthday with friends and family--when war is announced. Promises of life, and of death are the main premise of the film, and one cannot walk away from it. This is the sort of film that terrifies, ensnares, and draws you in, so that no matter what the moment, you cannot rip yourself away. Filmed with supreme skill and incredible beauty (every separate shot is breathtaking), this is a film that forces you to look at your life, your premises, and your entire evaluation of existence.

The question of liking or disliking this film is unimportant. Undoubtedly there will be people who will dislike it. But the one thing that is indeed impossible, is to remain indifferent to it.

Details

Country:

Sweden France UK

Language:

Swedish Icelandic

Release Date:

9 May 1986 (Sweden)

Also Known As:

The Sacrifice

Filming Locations:

Tunnelgatan, Norrmalm, Stockholm, Stockholms län, Sweden

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$4,696, 22 October 2017

Gross USA:

$81,963

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$167,292

Company Credits

Production Co:

Svenska Filminstitutet (SFI), Argos Films, Film Four International

Technical Specs

Runtime:

149 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1