daveydave

Another Russian film this one, only this time the acting was spot on. Telling the story of two young boys whose father turns up one day after a 12 year absence. Visually this is a very appealing film, showing stunning images of the Russian wilderness. It's quite a contrast: beautiful scenery that you should be happy to be surrounded by, mixed with trying to get on with a father you don't know, and who hasn't a clue how to cope with two young boys. The two young lads who play the sons put in great performances opposite the abrupt and not-a-little-unpleasant father. Sadly, the 15 year-old actor who played Andrey drowned shortly after the film was finished. The Return won a Golden Lion at Venice in 2003 along with 27 other awards, so it's pretty well though of by the experts . We never found exactly where the boys' father had been for the last 12 years, what he did or indeed, what was in the box. Worth a watch though.