david l
Repentance is excellent in its messaging as it deals with the painful Soviet history and its despotic leaders efficiently, but some of its impact was blunted due to its excessive runtime, chaotic pacing and an overabundance of ideas, most too ambiguous in setting, time period and historical figures being satirized. Still, the acting, directing and cinematography are all terrific, and the movie is definitely artistic and memorable.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
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Audience Member
Directed by Tengiz Abuladze in 1984, the Georgian film Repentance explores the profound effects of both exposing and reconciling with the events of the past. Released during the Soviet Union's Glasnost Era, Repentance utilizes transparency to replicate hardships and emotions previously experienced during the Stalin Era.
In the film, Ketevan Barateli (Zeinab Botsvadze) seeks to expose the heinous acts of former mayor Varlam Aravidze (Avtandil Makharadze) by continually ‘unearthing' the past, along with Varlam's body. Concentrating on Ketevan's childhood, the film utilizes both flashbacks and dream sequences to illustrate Varlam's acquisition of power which detrimentally affected Ketevan's family. In doing so, the film seeks to explore the devastating effects of a totalitarian government on the general public as well as the social elite.
Unlike prior Soviet Union films, Repentance is not restrained by strict censorship regulations, providing viewers with extraordinary insight into the brutality and harsh restrictions inflicted on U.S.S.R citizens. By doing this, the film not only serves to address the Soviet Union's turbulent past but recognizes its desire for national healing. Repentance, while rife with sensitive emotions and scenes, is worth watching in order to gain a fuller understanding of the atrocities experienced by Soviet citizens under former regimes. The film succeeds in creating a masterful parallel between Stalin and the film's deceased mayor, Varlam, exposing his cruel, yet beloved, regime. Throughout the film, Varlam becomes increasingly paranoid, influencing his harsh restrictions regarding religion, the arts, and free speech.
While Repentance provides viewers with an excellent depiction of the hardships experienced under a totalitarian regime, its continual use of satire and dark humor is somewhat confusing and distracting from the film's plot. The film seeks to expose the Soviet Union's treacherous and complex history by exploring it effects on several characters. While the use of satire and humor adds depth to the film, it also hinders one's ability to comprehend the complicated history and implications of the former U.S.S.R regime. The film's use of satire may be confusing for some viewers, inhibiting their understanding of the film. In order to fully grasp the various elements and themes presented in the film, some viewers may benefit from watching Repentance several times.
While Repentance is an excellent film, its subject matter may not be appropriate for everyone. Due to its exploration of both the harsh implications and legacy of a totalitarian government, the film is intended for an older/mature viewership. Those who are sensitive to violence or disturbing images should abstain from viewing this film.
Overall, Repentance extraordinarily provides viewers with unique insight into both the harsh realities and challenging legacy of a totalitarian government, similar to that of Stalin's former Soviet regime. I would rate this film a 4 out of 5 stars.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/03/23
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Audience Member
WTF did I just watch?!
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
02/27/23
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Audience Member
year s/b 1984 not 1987.
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
01/21/23
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Audience Member
harsh social commentary mixed with Abuladze's lyrical and often symbolic storytelling. a somewhat vague but still very forthright condemnation of dictatorships--rather shocking to see from a Soviet film, even if its from the 80s. the moral struggles of some of the characters are just fascinating. there's a very dry, subtle sense of humour permeating the film that makes nothing in particular overly funny, but everything seems a bit ridiculous. thought-provoking writing, solid acting, a cool plot structure, and just an overall good film.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
01/26/23
Full Review
Audience Member
harsh social commentary mixed with Abuladze's lyrical and often symbolic storytelling. a somewhat vague but still very forthright condemnation of dictatorships--rather shocking to see from a Soviet film, even if its from the 80s. the moral struggles of some of the characters are just fascinating. there's a very dry, subtle sense of humour permeating the film that makes nothing in particular overly funny, but everything seems a bit ridiculous. thought-provoking writing, solid acting, a cool plot structure, and just an overall good film.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/23/23
Full Review
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