"Even in this, his first feature, we see that Andrei Tarkovsky is compelled by memories of precious things." - Jeremiah Kipp

I think everyone agrees that the cinematography here is amazing. It's true, it's a breathtaking and lyrical film from start to finish. It's really hard to pick a favorite shot (though I may have to go with the nightmarish sequence during the finale). Thematically, though, it's a bit simplistic, not to mention overly familiar. It's a spellbinding watch but never quite absorbing.

Tarkovsky's artistic debut. The film is stunning, as one would expect from dear Andrei, but it lacks much of the philosophy and artistry evident in his later films. Still, this is quite obviously Tarkovsky and being so it's beautiful to look at. Despite the comparative lack of depth, there's still a lot to this film and while the character's aren't all easy to relate to, the dynamics which occur between them are believable and human. Certainly a go for Tarkovsky fans.

What separates Ivan's from other films that would attempt to so seamlessly examine the same themes and driving forces is the pristine aesthetic lushness this all comes packaged in, Tarkovsky shooting trees and droplets of water as beautifully as he might Valentina Malyavina's fragile, gorgeous face. What else is there? Only one of the finest kiss scenes in cinema.

Bleak, merciless and painful. Burlyayev's performance is amazing. Some wonderful shots make the viewing a dreamlike experience at times.

The scene in the swamp is some of the most beautiful filming I've ever scene. A real work of art.

More coherent than Tarkovsky's other films, it still has haunting imagery and rich thematic depth. The way the commentaries on war and innocence are intertwined is very well done.

I was really blown away by the cinematography, there are so many amazing shots that I could call my favorite. The visuals and atmosphere of Ivan's Childhood even reminded me of my favorite film - Apocalypse Now, in some ways. As for the story, it is very interesting and sad. The actor who portrayed the title character was outstanding.

a child who seems like an old man.

#597

Brutal yet poetic, Tarkovsky's take on a simple story becomes more complex and emotionally powerful when filtered through his unique style. Burlyayev is amazing, especially for someone so young.

The beauty of this film literally had my chest feeling like it was caved in and gave me heart palpitations. Tarkovsky held nothing back with his directorial debut, and shattered all realities with his stunning camerawork.

Good shots, ok story, I didn't undestand all the time what was going on. But that ending is really haunting and gave me the chills

Andrei Tarkovsky's first movie is also probably his most accessible one; this, however, doesn't mean this is a simple movie in any way. It features enough symbolism to keep your mind preoccupied both during and after the movie. This movie also features one of the best child actors that I have seen; Nikolai Burlyayev does an amazing job of portraying a 12 year old child who carries a burden that makes him seem more weathered than even a veteran of a war.