Living as an artist in dark times

Andrei Rublev (1966)

Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky this film loosely based on real events stars Anatoly Solonitsyn, Nikolai Grinko, Nikolai Sergeyev and Ivan Lapikov. We follow the life of a painter of religious icons in 15^th century Russia.

It is impossible to watch this story of an artist living in oppressive times without drawing parallels to life in Russia under the communists, especially Stalin. As a historical biography the film may not be perfect but as an exploration of religion, Russia and oppression it works really well. This film will not be to the taste of everyone, it is slow moving and hard to get into but still a good film.

4/5