Dec. 16, 1966|Soviet Union|205 Min.|R
Genre: Drama;History
Description: “Andrei Rublev” (1966) is a Soviet epic biographical historical drama directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, co-written with Andrei Konchalovsky. The film, loosely based on the life of the 15th-century Russian icon painter Andrei Rublev, was adapted from Tarkovsky’s earlier censored work, “The Passion According to Andrei,” during the Brezhnev era in the Soviet Union. It stars Anatoly Solonitsyn, Nikolai Grinko, Ivan Lapikov, Nikolai Sergeyev, Nikolai Burlyayev, and Tarkovsky’s wife, Irma Raush. The film received guidance from Savva Yamshchikov, a renowned Russian restorer and art historian.
Set in early 15th-century Russia, the film portrays a realistic depiction of medieval Russia against a backdrop of political and social turmoil. Tarkovsky aimed to present the artist as a significant historical figure and explore Christianity as a cornerstone of Russia’s identity during a transformative period that led to the Tsardom of Russia.
Themes of artistic freedom, religion, political ambiguity, and creativity under oppression dominate the narrative. Due to its controversial nature, the film was restricted in the officially atheist Soviet Union, with only a single screening in Moscow in 1966. A version of the film was later showcased at the 1969 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the FIPRESCI prize. A censored version was eventually released in the Soviet Union in 1971.
Structured into eight episodes, along with a prologue and epilogue, the film traces the life of the iconic painter through seven episodes that reflect pivotal moments in his life. The story unfolds against the turbulent 15th-century Russian backdrop, marked by princely conflicts and Tatar invasions.
Cast director: Andrei Tarkovsky
Cast actor: Anatoliy Solonitsyn, Ivan Lapikov, Nikolay Grinko, Nikolai Sergeyev, Irma Raush, Nikolay Burlyaev, Yuriy Nazarov, Mikhail Kononov, Yuriy Nikulin, Bolot Beyshenaliev
Original name: Андрей Рублёв