The Banishment

GREAT MOVIES: Andrei Zvyagintsev's The Banishment (Russia, 2007) - 2007CANic Best actor Winner. A haunting mix of fable and psychodrama, Russian filmmaker Andrei Zvyaginstev's acclaimed debut feels like the retelling of an ancient myth. Visually striking, thematically bleak and constructed according to a strange logic all its own, it confirmed Zvyaginstev as a worthy successor to Tarkovsky. Sparse in dialogue and devoid of exposition, the absences and allusions to unexplained events make The Return as compelling as the most efficient thriller. But Zvyaginstev brings to this skeletal tale an emotional and psychological complexity that's lingering, subtle and immensely powerful. The story centres on adolescent brothers Andrey (Garin) and Ivan (Dobronravov). One day, their father (Lavronenko), who has been mysteriously absent for the past 12 years, turns up, unannounced and unwelcome. Where he's been, or why, is never made clear, though the boys' mother immediately submits to his authority. Over an awkward dinner, he announces his intention: he's going to take the boys on a trip from which they will return - if they return - as men. 2007CANic. RATING: 9.