Review of Burnt by the Sun (1994) by Mark A — 12 Aug 2010
A real mixed bag, this film reveals the capricious nature of the Stalin era in the Soviet Union without romanticizing it, but is, like many Russian novels, terribly over-populated. The first half hour to forty-five minutes, we are introduced to the large clan that lives in the dacha of retired hero of the revolution, Col.
Kotov (Nikita Mikhalkov, who also directed) and some few guests. Some of the characters serve important roles later on in the film, but most serve as background to the main story. Initially, this viewer was quite confused trying to figure out who all these people were and how they were related.
However, the rest of the film quite clearly set us up for the chilling, violent conclusion. The scenery was bucolic, and there was a liberal dose of humor to go with the inevitable tragedy. If one can make it through the whirlwind of character introductions, there is a reward for patience.
This review of Burnt by the Sun (1994) was written by Mark A on 12 Aug 2010.
Burnt by the Sun has generally received very positive reviews.
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