Darkland: การกลับมา

Premiering in 2003, just 12 years after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, "The Return," with its tale of resurging and collapsing power embodied in the personalities of the two sons, inevitably invites deeper thought. While the allegorical nature of various aspects feels a bit forceful, as a debut film, it exhibits remarkable maturity. The long takes, color palette, and score all convey a sense of confidence and an almost omnipotent, godlike perspective. Zvyagintsev truly started his career on a high note.

I won't bore you with the political allegory. Just a heads-up for the completionists out there: steer clear of this film. The father figure digs up a box he buried long ago on that island, and the director *never* shows us what's inside before the movie ends. It's infuriating.

What I thought would be a sentimental tale of "absent father, eventual return, father-son conflict, and eventual reconciliation" was completely subverted in the last half hour, overturning all my assumptions. This is a "fable" that can be interpreted from multiple angles – family, politics – making it incredibly rewarding to analyze. The cinematography is also beautiful, clearly influenced by Tarkovsky, making it very pleasing to watch.

The plot is so contrived and wooden, the themes so monotonous and superficial. Please don't try to imitate Tarkovsky. Salejev should transition to shooting thriller horror films.

When your Adam's apple starts to show, your muscles begin to bulge, you find everything irritating, and you fight to the death, when you start to react to beautiful women, a man suddenly appears after 12 years and says, "Son, I'm your father," and slaps you if you don't listen, you'll have patricidal feelings. You must have patricidal feelings. Only when this shadowy old tree crashes down can you understand love and responsibility, forever overcome your fear of heights. Andrei, Ivan, the rest of the summer is yours.

"Darkland: The Return" is a gripping revenge thriller that delves into the dark underbelly of Copenhagen's underworld. Zaid's pursuit of vengeance for his brother's death is a compelling narrative drive, but also one that slowly erodes his own identity and sense of self. As the film hurtles towards its intense conclusion, Zaid's blurred lines between doctor and avenger raise questions about the cost of revenge and the true meaning of justice. A gritty, intense ride that explores the darker corners of human nature.