A poetic evocation of the life of Armenian poet Sayat Nova|Oct. 01, 1969|Soviet Union|80 Min.|n/A
Genre: Drama;History
Description: “The Color of Pomegranates,” released in 1969, is a poetic and visually stunning biographical film about the Armenian poet Sayat-Nova, known as the King of Song. Rather than presenting a literal narrative, the film explores the poet’s life through symbolic imagery and lyrical tableaux. Structured in chapters—Childhood, Youth, Prince’s Court, The Monastery, The Dream, Old Age, The Angel of Death, and Death—it uses minimal dialogue, relying instead on music, sound, and visual storytelling. Actress Sofiko Chiaureli stands out by portraying six different roles, both male and female.
Director Sergei Parajanov drew inspiration from Armenian illuminated miniatures, aiming to convey the inner dynamics of color and form. He described the film as a series of Persian miniatures, emphasizing its artistic and cultural significance. The work highlights the resilience of Armenian culture amidst oppression, with powerful symbols like pomegranate juice forming the shape of ancient Armenia or wool dyed in the colors of the national flag.
Parajanov’s close friend, Mikhail Vartanov, explained that the film’s cinematic language, though seemingly complex, is fundamentally simple. Some Russian versions include special features, such as “The Memories of Sayat Nova,” a 30-minute synopsis decoding the film’s tableaux. Critics note that every image in the film is meticulously crafted, though the key to its deeper meanings remains elusive.
Cast director: Sergei Parajanov
Cast actor: Spartak Bagashvili, Sofiko Chiaureli, Medea Japaridze, Vilen Galustyan, Giorgi Gegechkori, Melkon Alekyan, Gogi Gegechkori, Hovhannes Minasyan, Onik Minasyan, Yuri Amiryan
Original name: Նռան գույնը