THE BANISHMENT

 

director

Andrey Zvyagintsev

cast

Konstantin Lavronenko, Maria Bonnevie, Alexander Baluev, Maxim Shibaev, Katya Kulkina, Dmitry Ulianov, Alexey Vertkov

producers

Dmitry Lesnevsky, Antony Ray, Elena Loginova

production

Drama, 150 min, REN FILM, Russia, 2007

оriginal title  IZGNANIE   language Russian

 

synopsis

 

A husband, wife and two children (a boy and a girl) come from an industrial city to the countryside, to the husband’s birthplace, to stay in his father's old house.

In contrast to the old setting (the city that brightens up the relations between the characters, that smooths the rough edges, and even creates some illusion of happiness and love), the new setting is Nature. It is a setting of breathtaking rolling hills, the bottom of a prehistoric sea, and fertile land, all lying in the ruins of dislike. It is sad even though it is proud. It doesn’t let on. It will demand great sacrifice.
And no one will hold back the hand the father raises against his son. The voice crying out will not be heard. The son will not be replaced by the lamb. For the one who raises the knife has ears that cannot hear, eyes that cannot see, and a heart that cannot feel. Yet his belief in the "law" of human pride is vehement and inexhaustible, as vehement as his remorse.
The seed has been planted and the harvest must follow.
To the question, "What is "The Banishment" about?” we respond, "Just like any other film, in one way or another, this film is about all of us - kind, beautiful people in the tragic circumstances of hopelessness.”

 

festivals & awards

40 Festival selections, among them: 60th Cannes, – Palm d’Or for Best Actor; Anonimul Independent, Romania – Best Actor, Best Cinematographer, Zagreb, Competiiton – Golden Pram Best Film, Vladivostok “Pacific Meridian” – Yul Brynner Award for Best Film