Review of The Island (2007) by John S — 07 Jul 2011

I will have to say that this has become my favorite movie of all time - not a lightly given designation. First of all, this is definitely an art film. The cinematography makes a character out of the beautiful but bleak landscape with iconic shots reminiscent of Tarkovsky or Bergman.

The same care is given to the characters. Things are clear as a bell, but nothing is overstated. Secondly, this movie sets out to reveal features of Russian philosophy and spirituality which may be baffling to those not familiar with the background, but this is what will require more than one viewing for most - the film achieves a glimpse of Russian spiritual life which goes far beyond the merely authentic existentialism of many art films.

For those who have studied Russian spiritual and philosophic traditions, the film will be revealed as a composite of many real persons and phenomena. The character of the fool for Christ (a form of asceticism revered as the most difficult), the experience of profound repentance, uncontrived humility, intentional suffering and the deeply transformational experience of noetic prayer are all portrayed realistically without overstatement.

Even the scene of the exorcism is the most realistic dramatization ever made. Come to this film for its beautiful art, and return for the study and reflection needed to unpack its many dimensions, and imbibe its soul-profiting character.

This is one film which brings to mind the Dostoevsky maxim, "Beauty will save the world".