The Banishment

Audience Reviews

View More (146)

Dave S There’s nothing quite like a Russian slow cinema arthouse film to make you reconsider your relationships with virtually everyone in your life. Andrey Zvyaginstev’s The Banishment is visually reminiscent of (and probably inspired by) the works of countryman Andrei Tarkovsky – perfect framing and blocking, long takes, and all kinds of beautiful tracking shots and slow zooms. And then there’s the subtle but impactful score to compliment both the visuals and the story, which centres itself around the distant but fractious relationship between a husband and wife. Despite its length and its focus on existential angst, among other things, it’s never anything short of riveting thanks to solid performances, an interesting story and themes, and the fantastic craftsmanship of Zvyaginstev . Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 06/26/25 Full Review Virgo V The Banishment is a 2007 Russian psychological drama film directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev. The film is a loose adaptation of The Laughing Matter, a 1953 novel by Armenian-American writer William Saroyan. It stars Konstantin Lavronenko and Maria Bonnevie. The film premiered at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for the Palme d'Or. Lavronenko won the Best Actor award at the festival. Beautifully shot, but ultimately disappointing, lumbering sophomore effort from Russian potential great Andrey Zvyagintsev. The film's narrative has been described as "frustrating" and "suffers from structural problems. Sight & Sound said "the film's dramatic narrative twist is clumsily rendered. Intended to disorientate, it comes over as contrived." The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw criticized the film's open-ended nature and how it left questions unanswered saying, "there is an outstanding film somewhere inside this sprawling mass of ideas, which might have been shaped more exactingly in the edit." Neil Young's Film Lounge concurred, stating "Zvyagintsev has ended up merely aping the cinematic giants who have come before him." Vision says that The Banishment has flaws such as a lack of character development, an abstract nature and a rambling pace. Lack of character development Some critics say that the film lacks character development and that the father in the film doesn't understand his wife. Others say that the film's final act doesn't clarify or extend the audience's understanding. Abstract nature Some critics say that the film's abstract and elusive nature keeps viewers at a distance. Rambling pace Others say that the film's drawn-out events risk alienating its audience. Unnecessary obscurity Some critics say that parts of the story are unnecessarily obscure, which reduces the impact of important scenes Unanswered questions Some critics say that the film leaves many questions unanswered, such as who shot Mark and why. Cinematography The cinematography by Mikhail Krichman received great praise from most critics. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/03/25 Full Review Eric P Might be the most impressive film I have ever seen. Bergman and Tarkovsky have nothing on this director. An evocative mystery like l'Avventura, though decidedly a downer. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/26/23 Full Review Audience Member Out of time and place story of a family incapable to process their relationship shot with an incredible love to beauty in every shot. The story itself seems to be a bit monotonous from time to time, though you couldn't resist its thrill and deep drama. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/05/23 Full Review Audience Member I think it's a bit overlong, could be one (more) powerful drama if otherwise. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/04/23 Full Review pasha a A good directing for a bad story. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Banishment

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Most Popular at Home Now