Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (Tini zabutyck predkiv)
Directed by Sergei Parajanov
Written by Ivan Chendej and Sergei Parajanov from a novel by Mikhaylo Kotsyubinsky
1964/USSR
Dovzhenko Film Studios
Repeat viewing/Netflix rental
One of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die
[box] Our history begins before we are born. We represent the hereditary influences of our race, and our ancestors virtually live in us. James Nasmyth [/box]
Amazing cinematography and imagery of a totally alien (to me) culture highlight a one-of-a-kind film.
The story illustrates the ancient customs of the Hutsul people of Ukraine through the life of one man, Ivan. As a boy, his sole surviving brother loses his life protecting Ivan from a falling tree. At the funeral, evil Yurko kills Ivan’s father. Young Ivan meets Yurko’s daughter Marichka. Playmates become lovers but their Romeo and Juliet affair is ended by tragedy.
Ivan wanders grief-stricken and lost for quite some time but eventually marries the seductive Palagna. He is still in love with Marichka however and their union bears no children. In a bid to win Ivan completely, Palagna consults Yurko, who is a sorcreer. She begins an affair with him …
This movie is a complete visual and sonic feast. It is surreal yet hyper-detailed. One niggle is that the plot is more or less a vehicle for showing wedding, funeral, Christmas, church, etc. customs, folkdress, etc., etc. I thought it dragged by the end though it may be that I was just suffering sensory overload. Definitely a must-see however.
Clip
