Movie Description In 1936, Sergei Petrovich Kotov, his wife Marussia and daughter Nadia take refuge in the countryside. But the arrival of a mysterious man shatters their hopes for a peaceful existence. At first, Mitia, who once was Marussia's lover, seems charming--he's handsome, plays the piano, and easily wins Nadia's affections. Gradually, however, it becomes clear that Mitia's visit may have terrible repercussions for the innocent family. A retired soldier decorated for his efforts during the Bolshevik revolution enjoys his life in the country with his young wife and dazzling little daughter until their idyllic peace is rippled by the arrival of a man from their past who, unknown to them, is an agent for the Secret Police. Nikita Mikhalkov's powerful portrait of viciousness during the Stalin era won the 1994 Academy Award for Best Foreign Film.
| Credits | | Cast: | Nadia Mikhalkov, Oleg Menchikov |
| Details | | Edition: | Closed Captioned |
Notes Produced in Russia by Studio Trite.
Rated BBFC 15 by the British Board of Film Classification.
Editorial Reviews "...Allows us to gaze with fear and horror....Quiet devastation..." -- Rating: B+ Entertainment Weekly - Owen Gleiberman (05/05/1995)
"...Exquisite, lyrical and tough-minded....[A] leisurely pace and lush photography....Miss Mikhalkov is priceless and natural..." New York Times - Caryn James (04/21/1995)
"...A rich and subtle drama, both delicate and powerful, a classically accomplished piece of emotional, character-driven filmmaking..." Los Angeles Times - Kenneth Turan (04/21/1995)
"...[BURNT BY THE SUN] achieves tragic grandeur and emotional payoff that make it an engrossing film experience…" Variety - Stephen Gaydos (05/30/1994)
"This slowburning Cannes- and Oscar-winner initially recreates an idyllic, almost Chekhovian summer....[Mikhalkov] is on splendid form..." Sight and Sound - Michael Brooke (05/01/2008)
Awards 1994Academy AwardsBest Foreign Language Film, 1994CannesJury Prize
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