Conceptually, this is very original stuff. I first viewed the "Clooney" version of SOLARIS & really liked it, so borrowed Lem's English-translation book from the library & read that. Quite a difference between the two, but the basic core concept was almost achieved in the Clooney version, plus it's very stylish and the acting is frankly, superb - his finest, I think. Clooney and Natascha McElhone - can't take your eyes off them! That then made me want to see Criterion's classic Tarkovsky version, which is considerably closer in structure and content to Lem's book. However, Tarkovsky IS VERY SLOW to develop the story, and the main character - Kelvin (Donatas Banionis) - is devoid of virtually all emotion or expression from beginning to end. Maybe the spoken Russian takes something away here, but I do mean DEVOID. The sets are very dated (obviously) & low budget, but viewing it one-time satisfied my desire (as did one-reading of the book), but I will view Clooney's version again and again. Criterion's SOLARIS is a worthy view, but only the dedicated may want it for their collection. The book is a definite read and the Clooney DVD is a keeper!Read full review
Solaris is the most painful film ever for me to see. The movie is really great and directed by one of my favorite directors, Andrei Tarkovsky. I recommend you to see all of his 7 films. Solaris, in many personal aspects, make me depressed and think too much, almost to the point of madness. There are many things about Tarkovsky make me believe that we are alike; I feel deeply connected to him. The movie makes me think about death and the day of death, life, my role in this universe, adulthood, childhood, existence, identity, desire, my mother and family, .... If you're much concerned about these matters - if you feel trapped in between, or simply if you have ever lost people or things that were very important in your life, this movie can be somehow very painful. Perhaps, I have experienced all of those "if(s)". Don't believe in those reviews that say the movie is too slow. If you have enough interest in the matters, you will find the movie very appealing. Life and thoughts and fragment of images can never be too slow to observe. Solaris is not about science fiction or rocket science either, as a matter of fact, quite the opposite. It's spiritual and thought-provoking. The movie itself is a meditation for us to calm ourselves down, connect to our innermost soul and think.Read full review
Solaris is probably meant to be Russia's answer to Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey but with much more primitive effects. It's very hard to explain without spoilers. The movie is very long (169 minutes), and has a Part 1 and Part 2 (just like 2001). The ending is worth the wait, as it confirms that the entire film deals with the nature of human fears and desires. It is loosely related to events on a space station orbiting the planet Solaris, and its strange "living ocean". Some of the space station sets are good, others are laughable. Large upholstered chairs and heavy wooden furniture don't belong in space. Overall I'm glad I watched it.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
You could watch this film many times and still miss the intricate, expansively nuanced connections between beginning and end. It is a fascinating mobius strip, actually several. Tarkovsky was a genius without equal. The visual political commentary remarkably critical of the Soviet, when they controlled its release. Yet, the generalized themes apply throughout the cosmos. The spiritual overtones throughout the film are why it garnered acclamation from the Vatican when released. The psychological wizardry is infinite, hitting you with Christian crosses in the sand and flashing in your face to appreciate, or deny, yet not overused. The intentionally elongated driving scene tests your attention and demands that you come exactly down to the spiritual realization Tarkovsky intended. You can either insist upon a quick spirited demand of Western Action and claim it boring, or you can let Tarkovsky guide you to the subtlest embrace of metaphysical exploration. I watched just the beginning again for the seventh time and was shocked I had missed so many visual jokes, or rather hints to the phenomenology woven throughout the film. An English speaker will have to watch at least thrice to acclimate to the spoken Russian, subtitles and constant visual excitements. This is truly one of the finest films ever made and if you pay attention will bring you to a place of realizing and renewing again what freedom is... many of its dangers and many of its delights.Read full review
Invites comparison at the fictional and meditative level with Tolstoy who, indeed, is mentioned in the film. Impossibly, excruciatingly, invitingly long. Memorable extended sequence of driving deeper and deeper into the heart of traffic and darkness in downtown Tokyo. Not to mention our hero luring the materialized apparition of his dead wife into a rocket then blasting her off into space. Exudes guilt and shame. Not to be missed, particulary if your life needs transforming. And be ready to laugh. Tarkovsky is willing, like most 70's directors, to use zoom, but this only calls attention to itself before captivation sets in. Neither do the peculiar synthesized elements of the score distract. Techno-fiction holds up surprisingly well because it is not emphasized.
I have seen both Soderbergh's and Tarkovsky's film interpretations of Solaris. I prefer this one by far. Other people might say this movie way too long, and nearly 3 hours is a long film, but I think it's worth it. As a foreign film, Solaris is already in the unfortunate position of a viewer likely needing to read subtitles for the entire movie. But this minor annoyance should not take away from your enjoyment of this film. I would advise anyone who hasn't seen a Tarkovsky film before to start with Solaris. But like most of his other works, I think to fully appreciate the beauty of his vision you need to watch the movie more than once. There are some things you may not notice the first time watching the film. Natalya Bondarchuk gives an amazing performance in this film, she may be what sticks in your mind after you finish watching Solaris. I think the music in this film is suburb, and empowers already great story. Tarkovsky's Solaris is a film I will enjoy many times over now that I own it, and I recommend it to any Science fiction fan. The 2nd disc is packed with interviews that will give any viewer a deeper insight into the wonderful art that is Solaris. Several deleted or extended scenes are included as well. I also enjoy the piece of the Polish documentary on Stanislav Lem, the author who wrote the novel Solaris on which the film is based.Read full review
Classic character analysis sci-fi I just wish the subtitles were available in multingual or ability to turn them off.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Dated, way too long, does not hold up from when it was made.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Russian film with subtitles. Amazing photography. Complicated story. Great film. I need to watch it again.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Great 70's film!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best-selling in DVDs & Blu-rays
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on DVDs & Blu-rays
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like
