Praying Through Cinema - Understanding Andrei Tarkovsky

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Video essay analysis on the legendary filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky, the purpose of art, and a lifelong search for truth and meaning.
Other episodes in the Filmmaker Philosophies series:
Akira Kurosawa - • The Humanistic Cinema ...
Terrence Malick - • Understanding the Film...
Werner Herzog - • The Inner Chronicle of...
Sources:
Andrei Tarkovsky - Sculpting in Time: amzn.to/38F9DMt
Like Stories of Old - Complete Reading List: kit.co/likestoriesofold/readi...
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Additional Music:
Edvard Grieg - Peer Gynt Suite no. 1, Op. 46 - II. Aase’s Death - (performed by Musopen Symphony)
Steven O‘Brien - Solemn Choral Piece No. 2
Steven O‘Brien - Solemn Choral Piece No. 1

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

What's your favorite Tarkovsky film? And why? Let me know below! :)

[@minudas392]

can you make a video on sacred games, it really has metaphorical ideas about Indian mythology, your way of explaining movies would really make a difference in understanding the series from a different view.

[@THINK86200]

What was the name of a person sacred place someone would have to a special location that has a lot of meaning to them. I can’t remember what video it was from. I think it started with a “Y” idk... it was a long word. There was two words now that I think about it. One for a place, and one for an item... can you help me out if you know what I’m talking about? If so thx, if not, it’s all good (I’ll just do more searching)

[@edwartvonfectonia4362]

solaris...

[@vasiliosapocalypse1203]

Andrei Rublev. No doubt. The film is such a masterpiece of cinematic iconography. War, faith, truth, lies, all in a time where everyone is miserable, old, sick, stupid, violent, weak, scared, prideful. I think the film represents the world, the truth of Christ. The bell scene, the pillaging, the silence, the fear, all come down to one thing: the love of God in a world run by devils. In a way, all of Tarkovsky’s films are about faith, memory, and sacrifice. Russian Orthodox have a word transliterated as podvig. I think this sums up Tarkovsky’s characters perfectly. His characters are the most realistic for me because everything is happening internally. In Rublev, after all the chaos you are left with the expression of the faces. In that sense, Tarkovsky sees people as witnesses of the world. We may not know how to react, in fact Tarkovsky’s characters don’t seem to react very much, but we only know how they feel: the despair, the desperation, the confusion, the anger, the love, the relief. I think Rublev is where Tarkovsky mastered his craft to the highest potential. Why? Because it had more to do with the personal as the universal. The world in Rublev is almost foreign. And I think that’s where he became most free to invest his truest take on how he sees himself as an artist, as a human being, placed into the context of the world at large. It is the truest exploration of Man’s essence, which must be spiritual. I’m not saying his other films are “worse” than Rublev. His last 3 films are about men who are dealing with a world they are or will no longer be a part of, and so all that’s left is love, sacrifice. But Rublev delves even further than apocalypse/post-apocalypse. It concerns the apocalypse of the soul itself. This is why it is a truly Christian outlook, from an Orthodox perspective. That the death of the world is no different than the death of the spirit. Rublev is the only one of his films that deals with these simultaneously, rather than separately. It reveals the connection between the sacrifice of Christ with our sacrifice. The connection can only be, and must be, love. I would go as far as to say it is the greatest film of all time.

[@Virolaxion]

Stalker. Also my all time favourite. Once you understand the concept of "The Zone" it comes into biting clarity and every line of dialogue deepens your understanding of humanity. The driving force behind the Mirror is too personal to have the same effect but if I was Russian that would probably surpass Stalker

[@MarkKeuthan]

As a veteran teacher of film and television, I do not say this lightly - excellent work.

[@MrAngryorangutan]

Thank you for your service

[@kaydgaming]

Is he getting Extra Credit for this 😂

[@Loquacious_Jackson]

His voice is cringe

[@DAWGDigest]

As a veteran big academic dork, my opinion is to be taken with a grain of salt, excellent work.

[@jungiantrip]

"But there has to be more." That scene has always made me weep. From the first time I saw it until this very viewing.

[@bretdouglas9407]

There is more

[@user-vq1yj2gv1m]

It is not a very precise translation of the verse, though. 'But it is not enough' would be more accurate to the initial meaning. (the scene is great nonetheless, just wanted to clarify)

[@jungiantrip]

@@jg1rsA couple of times when I was in seminary.

[@edgepixel8467]

@@user-vq1yj2gv1m “Tolka etava mala,” yes :) I don’t speak russian, but I could get a grasp for some expressions. So I felt that one wasn’t translated properly.

[@helmiazizm]

I cried. This is definitely something that I need right now as I lost my passion on what I enjoy the most: mathematics, making music, reading, writing, everything. I didn't know how it just went away from me, and I pray everyday that tomorrow will be better and I will be free from this unknown sadness that haunts me. I really want to do something that gives my life meaning again, but it's just too hard. Too hard that I can't breathe properly when I tried to get up. Is this something that Andrei Rublev felt back then? Oh crap, sorry for that rambling haha. Anyway, thank you, LSOO. I love you. Keep making good contents to inspire people to do something good.

[@sofiaanr6748]

Have felt like you... life and world too great to leave it hidden in rubbish. So let us get what we love back

[@karenhartman9774]

You might just be in the cocoon and you are about to be reborn and able to fly! Hold that vision for yourself. As will I. 🙏🐛 🦋🙏

[@arai6147]

The feeling is mutual..a bit too mutual. Life has felt meaningless and that unknown sadness is crippling at times. This video definitely sparked something in me again, something i had in my childhood yet lost in time. I can't describe it objectively but it's something you can just...feel. undescribable yet very specific in subjective detail for one self. Man i rambled off too hah.

[@mondopinion3777]

Your deepest self may be moving you to new ways of being. You may have lost your former passion because you have extracted all you need from them. Unknown sadness, unnameable yearning -- that is Stalker.

[@nonnobissolum]

@@jg1rs "It's not in my control, but it's faithful." I like that. Cheers.

[@bastiat8322]

This is the best media I've ever seen regarding Tarkovsky. You were able to capture the essence of his art and distill it in a lucid way without over-analyzing it. It was like watching Tarkovsky breaking down Tarkovsky's work. Amazing. The Mirror is my personal fave- it makes me wish I could speak Russian so I didn't have to take my eyes off the gorgeous visuals to read. Mind you, all his work is like that...

[@tamerov2387]

Beautifully said.

[@sameerkrane1]

True ❤

[@creativeobx8367]

Bravo

[@dariopalomba8420]

Stalker is probably one of my favorite Tarkovsky 's movies. When we were young, starting to study cinema, we had the opportunity to meet the maestro in a beautiful cliff near Napoli. He was astonished by the beauty of the sea and the prospective. He called it "the vertical sea". Thank you for your video, forgive my poor English and greetings from Athens, Greece.

[@lnspector]

Instant like for Andrei Tarkovsky.

[@art_means_artificial]

Danny Boyle names Andrei Tarkovsky‘s Solaris the “greatest space film ever”.

[@dawsondjodvorj2408]

@@art_means_artificial 2001 is better, but solaris is great too.

[@michaelwu7678]

Dawson Djodvorj 2001 is better sci-fi. Solaris is better psy-fi.

[@dawsondjodvorj2408]

@@michaelwu7678 what the hell is a psy-fi?

[@michaelwu7678]

Dawson Djodvorj Psychological Fiction. I made it up, but I think it fits.

[@JanneSala]

My dad showed me Stalker one day, we watched it together in the dim of evening. It was a striking movie, a visual and atmospheric feast for the senses, and it said so much with so little. My dad was very quiet too, usually he makes snarky comments on the movies we watch. There's something about that raw, emotional essence of Tarkovsky's movies that made it seem almost poetic. I won't forget Stalker or Solaris easily.

[@3XwithFatih]

Tarkovsky has been my favourite director, since I watched few of his movies and read one of his books, when I was a teenager. But this video reminded me even an earlier memory of mine. My first experience in a movie theater when I was 3 years old. As a curious child, I reached the curtain the movie was projected, believing there is a world behind it. To my suprise, there was only a wall. Remembering this sweet memory keeps me in touch with my childhood innocence. Thank you for this.

[@voyance4elle]

This is beautiful

[@3XwithFatih]

@@voyance4elle Thanks for the appreciation :)

[@arivertoeveryone]

there hasnt been a better timing for a tarkovsky analysis im just starting to get into the heritage of my ancestors - russian art - literature, music and of course movies. thank you for contributing to this journey

[@denismonterodiaz476]

Anton Chekhov should be world wide mandatory reading. Greatest short story writer ever. Just in case you haven’t read him yet.

[@michaelwu7678]

Dostoevsky and Tolstoy are great too. Russian literature is ridiculously rich. You also have Pushkin, Gogol, Turgenev, Bulgakov, Lermontov, Akhmatova, Pasternak, Solzhenitsyn, Gorky, and more. All are worth looking into. And this isn’t even touching the many great philosophers and theologians.

[@kichelmoon6365]

I'm from Germany, but over the last few months I started looking into russian classics and I absolutely love them. Could you send me some of the music you found that you enjoy? I'm really curious but I don't really know where to start...

[@michaelwu7678]

kichel moon Some of the greatest Russian composers are Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Rachmaninoff, Shostakovich, and Stravinksy. You might want to start with them; just look up some of their greatest works online. Classical music though just in general is a bit difficult to get into, but I hope you do. It’s definitely worth it. Personally I’m more a fan of the German and Austrian musical tradition with Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven, but the Russians are good too. I just don’t like the Romantic Period. Have fun!

[@kichelmoon6365]

@@michaelwu7678 thank you so much, that's exactly what I was looking for. I know Tchaikovsky, I'm a little into classical music and like his stuff very much. I can't wait to dig into the rest.

[@malcolm4737]

Your channel is art.

[@TheBritomart]

Malcolm 47 And more- art often is indescribable, LSOO miraculously captures the complexities & broad disparities into a concise assimilation which never fails to move one into greater understanding and connectedness. Each upload is a revelation

[@swarupkumar2]

Pure Art

[@ObeySilence]

my channel is fart. check it out. the obscene subconscious of the Internet.

[@carolinafine8050]

Don’t have a cow, man.

[@aytheonashhelm3450]

Yes

[@mantheory6432]

Never has a suggested you tube video cause me such introspection and self doubt. I can't explain how joyous and deeply lost I feel at the same time. Your words sir that is the art that touches one's heart. If their is a loving creator may he let your voice reach us all.

[@tamerov2387]

Wow, beautiful words!

[@DerCineast]

“What is art? (...) Like a declaration of love: the consciousness of our dependence on each other. A confession. An unconscious act that none the less reflects the true meaning of life-love and sacrifice.” - Andrei Tarkovsky

[@CrimeanHorseArcher]

This reminds the story of the butterfly and the candle: Butterfly falls in love with candle fire. It flies around the fire first, then knowingly sacrifices itself by touching it.

[@voyance4elle]

Beautiful! Thank you 🙏

[@JaydevRaol]

It's good that more and more KZbinrs are now covering Andrei Tarkovsky too. Bcoz I think we can all agree that there is enough 'The Dark Knight' video essays on this platform already. Video Essayists should give limelight to other films and directors that are not covered before. And that is precisely one of many reasons why I love your channel. You have covered so many different films and directors. I absolutely love it. Please keep up the good work. 👍

[@art_means_artificial]

Danny Boyle names Andrei Tarkovsky‘s Solaris the “greatest space film ever”.

[@JaydevRaol]

@@art_means_artificial 👍

[@billbrasky8525]

Well put; there is a plethora of Hollywood film analysis on here that is so played out at this point. Ya, I love Kubrick too, but damn, I can only watch so many fanboys explain every metaphor in The Shining.

[@tonyjoseph5197]

It ain't easy I think.

[@honklerfinkelstein2113]

I'm reading Sculpting in Time at the moment. His films just touch something deep down in me

[@art_means_artificial]

Andrei Tarkovsky is the genius of all time. The God of Cinema!

[@AEO21Productions]

Honestly I haven't gotten into his work further than Solaris but it just seems like he was deeply in touch with the human condition.. suffering, longing, love, the search for true meaning.. can't wait to see more of his films

[@roberthipolito1351]

Same brother, i just began reading it yesterday. His films are something else.

[@vasiliosapocalypse1203]

Andrei Rublev has to be my personal favorite. The film is such a masterpiece of cinematic iconography. War, faith, truth, lies, all in a time where everyone is miserable, old, sick, stupid, violent, weak, scared, prideful. I think the film represents the world, the truth of Christ. The bell scene, the pillaging, the silence, the fear, all come down to one thing: the love of God in a world run by devils. In a way, all of Tarkovsky’s films are about faith, memory, and sacrifice. Russian Orthodox have a word transliterated as podvig. I think this sums up Tarkovsky’s characters perfectly. His characters are the most realistic for me because everything is happening internally. In Rublev, after all the chaos you are left with the expression of the faces. In that sense, Tarkovsky sees people as witnesses of the world. We may not know how to react, in fact Tarkovsky’s characters don’t seem to react very much, but we only know how they feel: the despair, the desperation, the confusion, the anger, the love, the relief. I think Rublev is where Tarkovsky mastered his craft to the highest potential. Why? Because it had more to do with the personal as the universal. The world in Rublev is almost foreign. And I think that’s where he became most free to invest his truest take on how he sees himself as an artist, as a human being, placed into the context of the world at large. It is the truest exploration of Man’s essence, which must be spiritual. I’m not saying his other films are “worse” than Rublev. His last 3 films are about men who are dealing with a world they are or will no longer be a part of, and so all that’s left is love, sacrifice. But Rublev delves even further than apocalypse/post-apocalypse. It concerns the apocalypse of the soul itself. This is why it is a truly Christian outlook, from an Orthodox perspective. That the death of the world is no different than the death of the spirit. Rublev is the only one of his films that deals with these simultaneously, rather than separately. It reveals the connection between the sacrifice of Christ with our sacrifice. The connection can only be, and must be, love. I would go as far as to say it is the greatest film of all time.

[@jackdomanski6758]

Yes.

[@steve5024]

Great comment

[@satkirtan49]

Thank you for such a insightful review.

[@KitaVanski]

Bravo!

[@mariaciroc]

Beautiful perspective and outlook on home

[@ROGUESPIRIT_]

Your videos always make me fell as though I transcend the human condition and gain an understanding that i miss in my daily life. Always overcome me with emotion for reasons I don't know. I love this channel, your videos make me feel whole.

[@patdcannon]

Feel like crying every time I watch this analysis. The music ,the words and the images flow together beautifully. A piece of art to describe a lifetime of artistry. Georgous. Thank you and congratulations

[@johnlewis8156]

This video made me slow down and take it all in. Im in the U.S and are not movie buff and have never heard about this director. But at least for me I "felt" this video more than I "watched"it(hope I don't sound too weird). My heart rate dropped and I was mesmerized by his words. I would read them the first time and then rewind it and feel them. I felt like I understood them better that way. Your videos are always great but this one (maybe due to how it starts with the still images) primed me for something else. I'm gonna sit on it for a while and see if I'm taking it all in or if I'm just thinking too hard. Alot of words to say thank you for all that you do! And for sharing something more personal than normal.!

[@Trowa71]

You can't think about it too hard. You think about it as much as you feel is necessary.

[@art_means_artificial]

Danny Boyle names Andrei Tarkovsky‘s Solaris the “greatest space film ever”.

[@atallguynh]

You don't sound weird at all. Not in the slightest.

[@AEO21Productions]

@@art_means_artificial Danny Boyle is missing a fuse.. has he *seeeeen* that space flick, 'Sunshine'?

[@xAMSTERCheshir]

You've got the point. I think that if you say this words then all this work was worth doing, including Tarkovsky's films and this lovely video. Slow down and think.. feel. That's the point. I watch the Stalker over and over again in times when i need to slow down, think and feel something transcendental. Try it, maybe you will love this film too.

[@pdzombie1906]

Finally... Stalker is my favorite, I see it as a meta approach to Tarkovski's role as a filmmaker and artist. Like the stalker, Tarkovski guides the scientist (our reason) and the writer (our intellect) trough the zone (his films) in order to find the room (our hearts) and see the truth of our spirit... Beautiful as always, thanx!!!

[@mjolninja9358]

PD Zombie goddamn that’s beautiful

[@samuel0851]

Beautifully put!

[@panchalbhupendra1782]

It also my all time favourite !!!

[@MarisaandDanTaddeoDufren-nq4vv]

Whenever I am feeling down or out of touch with the chaos of life, I come to this video. And it touches and moves me every time. I don’t normally comment but had to commend you on your work, doing such an incredible job discussing a filmmaker whose art I hold so dear. You did an excellent job and by extension have added to the art and my appreciation of it

[@jacksterpiece]

"A man can only see as far as he himself has gone" -- thank you, LSOO, for diving into your own depths so that we can learn from such wondrous explorations as these. Timely, too, for I believe we must understand this felt language of art and the spirit if we are to move forward both as individuals and as our collective. Much love!

[@art_means_artificial]

Andrei Tarkovsky is the genius of all time. The God of Cinema!

[@fusion9619]

that's why we're here... to see it all, and appreciate it all. Birth and death and birth again, a new adventure each time, new mountains to climb and dragons to imperil your journey.

[@jacksterpiece]

@@fusion9619 Yes! And each new go around we hope to aim closer towards the Light, and to be prepared for the dragon in whatever way it will appear 🙏🏻🌟🕊️

[@headphonezen7155]

Depth sees depth

[@AEO21Productions]

@@fusion9619 eyyyy.. you a fan of Peterson?!? lol

[@poetcomic1]

Ingmar Bergman had never HEARD of him when he saw some scenes from Andrei Rublev being screened at the studio for the translators. Not understanding a word he knew at once "This director has accomplished what I hae struggled all my life to achieve.".

[@ablazedark]

bergman never hearing tarkovsky till rublev is pure fabrication. he has watched ivan's childhood the year it came out and actually reflects on it. stop spewing lies for trying to get some attention.

[@wrestlingbuff87]

Honesty, I've only seen Stalker, Solaris and The Sacrifice, all once, but each left their own indelible mark on me in such profound ways. Tarkovsky's approach to cinema was truly vital and loved that he respected the viewer to come to their own understanding of his films.

[@yachanakhatker706]

There’s something about this video. It is very close to my heart, I feel teary, pardon my sickness for being too emotional. But this is something I watch to comfort myself at rough times. Thankyou. This is what art does to us.

[@heygreydey]

Tarkovsky: a slow pan from the gritty to the sublime, just like life. Beautiful take here.

[@getjac]

I feel weirdly proud of you for this video, lol. This is seriously an impressive piece of work, artistic and philosophical in its own right. You captured the beauty, wonder and reverence of his films so perfectly. Tarkovsky has been my favorite director for a long time and I'm really grateful to have this new resource to return to when I want to explore his work more deeply.

[@tamerov2387]

[@hyperballadbradx6486]

This video is so moving. I've never quite experienced why I love and strive for feeling when watching films so directly and so clearly before. It's been an affirmation

[@vickhs]

You really nailed it by saying that Tarkovsky's films aren't meant to be intelectually dissected, but rather just to be felt. That's exactly what happened to me the only two times I ever watched anything he's done (I've only seen The Mirror and The Sacrifice). I loved The Sacrifice from the very start but I didn't really understand The Mirror, to be honest. As soon as it finished the first thing I thought to myself was "uh, I guess I'm too dumb to get this". And yet I could never dismiss it as a "bad film", because I was still left with a really strong emotional impression. I could never write down the feelings I had into words, but maybe that was the point? I guess I'll watch more of his stuff. On a sidenote, I don't think there's any other director who can make burning houses look this beautiful.

[@mondopinion3777]

People were more attuned to sentimentality and nostalgia back then, which makes The Mirror less accessible to our modern mindset. Watch Stalker, and Andrei Rublev.

[@g9ld175]

i'm really out here almost crying over a video essay... thank you so much for the dedication you put in all of your videos

[@00HoODBoy]

this came at the perfect time for me as well.

[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

This channel always dishes out quality content.

[@nowheredan27]

Guess who haha

[@gdijsn4729]

How the heck are you here too😂 this isn't even anime

[@LostEntradista]

I’m so happy more and more people are beginning to recognize Tarkovskys work. One of the greats.

[@sandwichsupernova]

This was a wonderful tribute to perhaps the greatest filmmaker of all time. As a lover of Tarkovsky, every frame of this video tugged at my heartstrings. This is the kind of content streaming platforms were made for. I applaud you, sir, and will share this far and wide.

[@yusufalsanad]

Sir Tarkovsky's "Solaris" is probably my absolute FAVORITE of his work! There's something so... profound and truly beautiful about that film, underneath the jaw-dropping gorgeous visuals. The themes/ideas the man behind the camera tackles are BEYOND fascinating and certainly... timeless, hence why I LOVE him so! ^^

[@RedziRekuEdze]

I felt it, my eyes gathered tears.

[@nowheretogo-so-i-stay]

Beautiful analysis. I’m crying. I’m a grown man. Thank you for this.

[@Waterboyofsuperman]

Thank you for this beautiful and profound tribute to the greatest film director of all time. Since I discovered Tarkovsky I have studied and searched for a director with a comparable vision and have found none.

[@b.baklandsky556]

Bresson is right up there! Haneke is a modern one. Fellini, Bergmann and Polanski also great. Last years "portrait of a layd on fire" by Céline Sciamma was fantastic. In my opinion.

[@glengustafson6959]

I knew Tarkovsky and understood him well as an artist even though we didn’t share any spoken languages. I was a visiting student working with my mentor Sven Nykvist during filming of “The Sacrifice” and during rare breaks we sat at a table in the corridor outside the studio in Filmhuset. As an undergrad I had been a projectionist at the Pacific Film Archive and had run many of his films for classes at Berkeley so although I was a painting major at the time he was pleased I knew his films and invited me to film them at work. When we met he nicknamed me “Stranger in Paradise” (an American in Sweden). I had learned Swedish in order to study at the film school in Stockholm and thru his interpreter he encouraged me to go visit The Hermitage in (then) Leningrad. I think about him often in my own studio as I clear my head from my day job as a visual effects artist. Those film makers are artists on another level.

[@themidrashim]

Damn...I wish I had met him also. So far I went deepest into his work and "met" him there.

[@anitaoomen8021]

This is poetry. Thank you! The quote at the end reminds me of a quote by John Granger where he said that the aim of stories is not entertainment, but our edification. It's always stuck with me.

[@subhasishbhattacharjee6316]

Tarkovsky is undoubtedly the greatest poetic director....no one captured natural beauty like him....a fan from #Kolkata #India ♥️

[@tamerov2387]

I love how art connects people all over the world.

[@Zayhir_thePrince]

@@tamerov2387 same bro, same

[@amiracleone2803]

In the past my life was so awful and cruel that I would dream of a brighter future. In the present I dream of the past because its the thing in my life that doesn't get worse everyday...............

[@civy420]

This video style reminds me a lot of Tarkovsky's documentary film, "Andrey Tarkovsky. A Cinema Prayer (2019)", the polaroids photo, quoting sentences, and poetic thoughts. A great video to introduce Tarvosky's work.

[@krychickspp2745]

This is my favourite project you've done. It's hard to express the range of emotions I felt watching this. Thank you for all you do. Every video you make is a treasure.

[@tamerov2387]

I am crying even more after reading your comment...

[@tamerov2387]

Probably the greatest video on KZbin...

[@michaelmcdonald3660]

Wonderful video essay. Tarkovsky is a favorite director of mine and "Sculpting in Time" somehow said everything I feel about art but haven't been able to say. I always knew when people talked about why some films are great and others aren't, that there was a quality they were ignoring. The awakening of the soul is always there in my favorite works of cinema.

[@SHONNER]

Solaris is my favorite. The ending scared me to death.

[@Nyllsor]

Fantastic essay. I love the poem in Stalker 'Now summer has gone', that poem and the movie Stalker helped me come out of a very dark place, finding meaning where i before found none. Thank you for making this essay, i'm very thankful for you doing and sharing this, it's a very beautiful video and edit. Cheers from Sweden! :)

[@RndmMexican]

Tarkovsky, one of the greats along with Bergman.

[@ghaithghazi6748]

Bergman, Tarkovsky and Kubrick....the holy trinity of cinema.

[@germancamou4044]

My local theatre screened all of Tarkovsky’s film throughout the whole month of December and i decided to watch all of them for the first time. I must say I know understand why Tarkovsky is one of the best. To be honest it wasn’t an easy journey, and I do have to rewatch them since I slept in some of them (not of boredom). All of this to say, your video essay is one of the greatest I’ve seen and it really made it feel like a full circle moment after my experience with Tarkovsky ‘s cinematography. Thank you for doing an excellent analysis and looking forward to discover more videos in your channel 🤎.

[@stuminnis4050]

This was astonishingly lovely. I wrote my doctoral dissertation on Tarkovsky but haven’t watched most of his films in years. (Andrei Rublev and Stalker, my favorites, being the exceptions). Now I feel compelled to revisit all of them. Thank you for this wonderful piece of commentary.

[@beinggayontheinternet1570]

Andrei has been as much my fav as anyone can be for a decent long while now, really put the medium to good and unique use

[@TruthSeeker-333]

This was amazing. Tarkovsky’s central themes are Christian redemption, and Hope, and ultimately eternal life

[@mohsinrparkar3407]

I finished my first viewing an hr ago, and have re watched the conclusion (19.40 onward) at least a 100 times now.. So beautifully edited and narrated... created!! Art from a true artist... Thank you..

[@pramodchhatre5922]

I just keep watching this again and again...

[@Sirisun]

Welp, I cried. Well done.

[@adedotunakande6577]

One of the best channels hands down. Well done!

[@keks1krvmel]

i love him so much. i think so far zerkalo / mirror is my favorite, and it's also the first of his films i ever saw. he's one of the most emotionally moving directors of all time to me, though i can't really explain why bc i'm neither eloquent nor well-versed enough when it comes to cinema. you definitely came closer to putting it into words though. this video is so beautiful.

[@xAMSTERCheshir]

I've never thought that i will see such video and such comments on the youtube. That's unbelievable. Thank you for this video. It is very deep and it finds great reflection in me (and many others as i can see). I watch the Stalker over and over again, partly or fully. This film gives me calmdown, meditaion, inspiration and feeling that i am truly understood and i am not alone in this world. Sometimes i found myself acting like a stalker my life. Maybe we all are stalkers here in this world, somebody more somebody less. Also i love that you can stop the film at any moment and you wil see the amazing shot, a picture, a piece of art.

[@orestmakar8562]

I love the mystical poetic quality of Tarcovskys scenography. The scenes are framed in a way that combined with the surrounding ambiance connect with the wiever on a subconciouse level.

[@tamerov2387]

Beautifully said.

[@mohammadbinmahbub9160]

i nearly always end up teary after a LSOO video. thank you for the art - the purpose of art.

[@fiiredark]

Me tooooooo. OMG. LSOO is killing me softly with his art! I must be some sort of emotional masochist though, because I never want it to stop!

[@olgai6337]

Thank you for such observation of such a great director, Andrey Tarkovsky. It is really personal for me, because he was growing near the place where I live. Thanks from Moscow. And he is such a treasure for the whole world of cinematography.

[@thomassimmons1950]

Absolute BEAUTY...THANK YOU KIND SIR!!!

[@deLumren]

I can't remember how many subscribers you had when I watched your first video (on Arrival), but seeing that today you have a following of 300k restores my faith in humanity. Your videos are profound in content and neatly edited. Keep on doing your inspirational work! P.S. To anyone who tried one of Tarkovsky films and didn't quite resonate with it - try another! Despite the multitude of common ideas and techniques all his works are very distinct from one another. I personally never connected with Stalker and Rublev, but fell in love with the Mirror.

[@moniquevamado]

If you ever doubt that you are doing an important work in the world, may that doubt be stricken from you forever. You are possibly the most important channel about film on KZbin and are doing a profound work. Thank you so much for the hard work, thought, reflection and depth you put into these videos. May it be blessed and abundantly rewarded. - Monique

[@jleviathan9766]

I didnt expect this to touch me that much but it seems to have pressed all the right buttons to turn me into a sobbing mess hahaa... I had an art teacher that I admired infinitely and whom I had connected with on a level that couldn't have been explained with any words. He was an oddball who was shameless about his passion for art and who had a tragically beautiful perspective on life that had particularly marked me and influenced me a lot as a high schooler. I really looked up to him. One of the things he had opened up to me about was how Adrei was one of his own biggest inspirations in life, and although after having seen the movies I was left with an impression I could only describe as out of this world, I was still puzzled over a lot of things and this video cleared up a loooot, and I'm really grateful for that. The wave of understanding that hit me was prob what led me to get this emotional, and now I'm more motivated to go back and find that high school teacher and have a chat about all sorts of nonsense again sometime...

[@guygeorgesvoet4177]

my most emphatic and highest possible praise for this beautiful piece of art in its own right. your editing and commenting are a true critical justice paid in hommage to this immense artist that always upholds our very souls throughout these protracted troubled times. Congratulations again and again and many most heartfelt thanks for this most marvellous effort. God bless you a hundredfold for what you gave.

[@tamerov2387]

[@thisfoodhits6205]

I recently watched Nostalgia as my introduction to Tarkovsky, and I haven't stopped thinking of it since. I feel like this video essay so perfectly captures what was so special and captivating about my experience watching that film. It truly touched something deeper in my soul, and this video really helped me understand why and makes me excited to watch more Tarkovsky, but more than that it makes me excited to create my own art. Thank you for this video.

[@flw1522]

This is the best content I’ve ever seen on Tarkovski’s work thank you for this

[@saumyaaa2605]

I don't want to go back to real world after watching your videos. Your videos are truly art. Thank you for making this world little better by making these videos.

[@MasterShouter]

I recently watched in Turin, Italy, a documentary about Tarkovskij made by his son. In this documentary the narrator is Tarkovskij himself (1h+ voice recorded). Also there's him directing in Stalker. All new and never seen materials

[@diogocordsilva]

It was for essays like this, that essays were created. Magnificent!

[@headphonezen7155]

Best explanation for art I think I’ve ever heard/seen. Well done.

[@tamerov2387]

Yes, well said.

[@shaneharrington3655]

Your work is some of the best on all of KZbin.

[@MochitoMaker]

I am speechless. It's so great that you have taken a Russian regiesseur, maybe it will broaden people's perception of the Russian culture a bit more. The background music makes all the words so much impactful.

[@frogonaut5586]

Not many KZbin videos make me shed tears. I'm thankful for your content.

[@carlosfandango2419]

I believe Terrence Malick tries to achieve the same aesthetic with the medium of film. Although being western it is easier for us to understand and 'feel'. I always think there is a layer within Tarkovsky films that I will never grasp or touch and therefore they remain slightly aloof or just out of reach.

[@diegodorantes8418]

My favorite KZbin channel!!!

[@Wicus51]

This is to me a very welcome revelation. Thank you so much. i have seen his films. The first time I watched Stalker, I was bewildered and shattered and shaken by the un-understandable depth. Great. My favourite is Iwan's Youth. It touches me deeply every time I watch. The violence that is always in the background. And the love that shines through. All the time. In every scene.

[@reggiealen8443]

Thank you for introducing me to many different faces of cinema

[@mariaalexea4756]

Great analysis - to defy and overcome a linear time, the struggle of the human mind, especially of the mind of a poet. To restructure reality using time in an manner uncommon, or better, unprecedented - a manner unique yet intimate. Tarkovsky's Nostalgia is my personal favorite - being the coherent vision it is, leading to an exraorfdinary integration of the physical and the metaphysical.

[@remigrabisch4206]

My heart goes for 'Solaris', although I'm a bit puzzled since it's Tarkovsky's less favorite movie.

[@isakdahl7054]

I find it atrocious. Just my personal opinion though.

[@Virolaxion]

Incredible. Captures exactly how I FELT watching his films. Stalker is my all time favourite, it transcends any other reading of the "purpose" of humanity I've witnessed in film. Mirror is a close second. I've yet to get round to The Sacrifice because I fear it would represent an ending. What are your thoughts on There Will be No Leave/The Killers?

[@elinal.4625]

Solaris is a rare gem that outshines the book. The movie goes so much deeper. And it leaves an indelible impression on the viewers, something they can never forget.

[@MJ-mu3kb]

Beautifully said. My favorite movie director of all time.

[@Maros_Mari]

Thank you. I have been looking for a new video essay on Tarkovsky. I enjoyed feeling it. My favourite movie is Stalker, as it for some reason speaks to me, connects with me. I particularly like the dream sequence. His work is a big inspiration for me and encourages me to create my own images / stills and moving/. Thanks again for bringing into wider attention this talented director.

[@mrclarky]

the"Now Summer is gone..." montage was really moving

[@corinnekelley8133]

You did a beautiful job. You resurrected this old dream of mine that tortures me as a nightmare in its nonexistantance. I wish there was an app where one could record small moments in their lives. Then when they die, there could be a qr code on their gravestone and people could scan it and watch a random moment from this person's life. In that way, we could relive through these small moments in time replaying in the minds of others. Maybe then we could value every moment if we could share those moments with other after we are gone. Love your stuff u are an inspiration.

[@mondopinion3777]

Wo. STUNNING idea.

[@colemarie9262]

2:13 that shot in the water, and the next with the meteor/bomb....just so beautiful. Only 5min into the video, and already so struck by an image that I had to comment.

[@wahanohanyan1971]

Tarkovskij is Leonardo of cinema!

[@tamerov2387]

Yes!

[@goldenlink10]

I love LSOO!

[@khaledwasel2805]

I always come back to this video and it always makes me cry like it's the first time. You're a genius.

[@greensoulsufinur]

This was the best one so far. Thank you

[@gr8effect]

Stalker is the best film I've ever seen. The ending sends chills down my spine and tears to my eyes. Every single time. Looking for a miracle in the danger zone while having one at home, (the girl) so near, is a fantastic revelation imo. Great video as always!

[@Virolaxion]

Isn't the dog the Stalker "acquired" his deepest wish? It enables him to spend time with his family and brings the Zone to them, as he utters before the rain starts falling/the room is revealed. I think his wife says "So you love dogs, don't you?" understanding that as he's (the only one who) brought something back it must be his wish and is making a joke about a literal reading of the dog.

[@gr8effect]

@@Virolaxion True but seems to me that his deeper wish is for others to realize that there is wonder and awe in the zone. Feels like the stalker is a symbol for religion, for making others believe in something bigger, something they can not (yet) see. Obviously we could talk and argue about this magnificent film for hours.

[@mondopinion3777]

I think in the Zone we make contact with God, but have to go back to live in the world. Is the black dog our human-brain's memory of our indescribable experience with God ? Like a shadow of it ? I always thought the girl, his child, is about what we are becoming. But in truth I don't really hold on to any analysis --

[@gr8effect]

@@mondopinion3777 Nice... Love the dog theory. Never thought about the girl as a stage of existence when close or spending time in the zone tho. Feels to me like (the girl) is proof that the zone, in the end is everywhere. God/ the miracle can't be confined in a set space.

[@hazelhunt3236]

This was exceptionally brilliant. I felt I was much more able to follow your train of thought with the addition of the text. This whole channel feels like a miracle, something I could only dream of accomplishing in a different body with a lighter soul. Thank you so much.

[@GeraAbi]

Stalker is a absolute masterpiece. Seen it yesterday again and it wont go out of my head. Andrei Tarkovsky was a genius and Stalker is a absolutely unique experience. Soon I will watch it again.. and again and again.. hopefully, when I someday have a son, he too will be interested in this beautiful art. Stalker is a state of mind.

[@lucileanan]

This was such a reverent and eloquent tribute. Thank you.

[@DYNODRUM]

Beautiful...

[@vnekliaev]

It was excellent. Tarkovsky is by far my favourite film director, and always has been. I think you really understand his art. Thank you for the great work!

[@ZtefanoTomaz98]

Man, this video made me cry

[@khakimzhanmiras]

Forgive me but this is easily your best work to date.