Elegy of a Voyage (2001) [MultiSubs]

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Elegy of a Voyage (2001) [MultiSubs]

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A simple trip from somewhere in Russia to Rotterdam via Helsinki is turned into a highly poetic and slightly surreal commentary on human place in history (mythological), and man's striving to transcendence (unachievable). This, of course, includes thinking aloud about Russia, and two of the principal questions are asked. They are not, traditionally, "Where am I?" and "How did I end up here?" although they are voiced in the film, too, but, "What are they all thinking?" and "Why are all those people look at me like this?" They are really important if one wants to tap into "the mysterious Russian soul."

Clearly, the Russian Orthodox church does not yield any answers, neither does it provide a safe haven for the protagonist, for people are cold there, they cast evil glances, and a monk/priest is unable to answer simple spiritual questions (not one of them could, being stupid, greedy and, generally, not very literate, not to mention spiritual). What the protagonist seeks is clearly found in the old European culture, shown through the works of Old Dutch Masters. So much for the "special Russian way" in culture, now enforced by the present "huylo's" administration.

Plus, the Russian title is mistranslated from the original French. It's not "The Elegy of a Road," it should rather be a passage or, well, transcendence.
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This was the most beautiful movie I've seen in a long time. It's only 46 minutes, and it's part of a series of "Elégies" by Sokurov. In a dream-like atmosphere, the narrator is taken in a trip without knowing the purpose or the destination. Most of the film is made of the images he is seeing, and the thoughts he's having along the way. Maybe this is life, itself.

It's only fair to say that most of my colleagues, which I urged to see the movie, were disappointed. It's not a linear movie, with a definite story. Actually, this is one of the things I liked!

I've seen this movie as part of the 25th Sao Paulo International Film Festival, and was, by far, the one I liked the best. Extremely beautiful, very moving. For me, anyway…

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Elegy of a Voyage (2001) [MultiSubs]

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