Review of The Sacrifice (1986) by Cli O — 02 Dec 2008

I've heard a lot of comparisons to Bergman in this, and I think there's a reason why Tarkovsky shot it on the same island where Ingmar shot most of his films. This is like Bergman doing metaphysical, but always with that signature Tarkovsky style.

The film gives off this incredible apocalyptic atmosphere about halfway through that I'll never forget. It's like watching the world collapse through the soul of a regretful old man. The movie morphs into true beauty toward the end, when, for the first time I can remember in a Tarkovsky film, the main character attempts to redeem himself in a confused but very human way.

That's what separates this from the rest of his work (not necessarily making it better, but definitely separating it). We feel for the character of Alexander at every moment, because he has opened his soul for us to see, even though it doesn't make complete sense.