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Stalker
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Stalker

1979
Drama
Sci-fi
2h 42m
Near a gray and unnamed city is The Zone, an alien place guarded by barbed wire and soldiers.
Directed by:
Andrei Tarkovsky Andrei Tarkovsky
Written by:
Andrei Tarkovsky Andrei Tarkovsky Arkadiy Strugatskiy Boris Strugatskiy
+2 more
Starring:
Nikolay Grinko Nikolay Grinko Anatoliy Solonitsyn Anatoliy Solonitsyn Aleksandr Kaydanovskiy Alisa Freyndlikh Natasha Abramova Vladimir Zamansky Sergey Yakovlev Faime Jurno Ye. Kostin R. Rendi
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Genres:
Drama, Sci-fi, Fantasy
Countries:
West Germany, Soviet Union
Language:
Russian
imdb More information at IMDb
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Stalker

1979
Drama
Sci-fi
2h 42m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 78.25% from 4911 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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beedubBeeDub
Rated 01 Jul 2022
78
40th
Look. OK. I mean... listen. I've seen two Tarkovsky movies (this and Solaris), and while I appreciate the craft involved and I like some of the story elements and ideas, I am mostly bored into stupefaction. I'm sorry, I guess, or whatever, but this is *maybe* 45 minutes of content stretched out over 2.5 hours. (Anyone who calls this "brisk" is delusional.) If you can watch this and feel engaged, drawn into the contemplative world Tarkovsky creates, more power to you - but this ain't for me.
Rated 01 Jul 2022
jimmynmujimmynmu
Rated 27 Feb 2007
99
99th
A mysterious and quiet film, with incredible scenery. The atmosphere in this is remarkable, with some amazing photography and camera work. It's difficult to follow everything that's said in the film, but the emotional impact from the atmosphere made up for this. I'll probably have to watch Stalker a few more times to get a firm understanding, but what I've managed to learn so far was quite enlightening. Stalker has a grand sense of scale to it, but it's the intimacy that remains memorable.
Rated 27 Feb 2007
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 28 Feb 2007
95
98th
Amazingly dense, a rich and thoughtful work of philosophy and religion. It will take repeated viewings for me to mine all of the meaning out of it, I'm certain that I've only scratched the surface. Also, the photography and use of locations is truly stunning.
Rated 28 Feb 2007
eric_wkEric WK
Rated 11 May 2009
100
99th
Perfect direction by Tarkovsky with fascinating and beautiful scenery. This is a film about man's desire or need for peace and understanding, and perhaps, for meaning if it's a means to that end. By the end of the two and a half hours (don't worry, it's brisk), we realize that the answers lie not in money and power or in escape or in religion, but within ourselves. After seeing this film, there's no question I'm a different cinephile and who knows, maybe a different person.
Rated 11 May 2009
vdecraimVdecraim
Rated 27 Aug 2015
60
24th
Apart from the amazing production design, this was almost unendurable. How can an excellent film theorist, whose statements include 'cinema is the capture of reality over time' or 'cinema is the careful observation of reality', make a film like this? The characters talk like they swallowed a library, and after the first part, Stalker lost every bit of my emotional or intellectual involvement. That last shot was a perfect illustration of my boredom.
Rated 27 Aug 2015
thegreyfoxthegreyfox
Rated 11 Feb 2011
20
3rd
The problem with this type of film is that people too readily put it into "cult status" category and from that point on, find it hard to assess it objectively. Sure it looks good, but nothing actually happens in it, and it most definitely is NOT SF. I SO wanted this to be good, I really wanted to see something in this film that perhaps others might not. I didnt. It is the kings new clothes of film making, and opacity, dullness, length, slow pacing & unfathomable plot does NOT make a good film
Rated 11 Feb 2011
markjpMArkjp
Rated 03 Oct 2017
75
60th
I finally watched this. I am now a proper film student. Well done me. Ok so let's go: "captivating", "meditative" "foreshadowing", "Tjernobyl", "Russian Kubrick", "Repeat viewings", "fantastic cinematography", "atmosphere", "enegmatic", "will probably bump up to 99 after more viewings". Review done...now back to my cubicle.
Rated 03 Oct 2017
magbMagb
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
85th
A real enigma of a film. It never tries to explain its many mysteries; it leaves it to the viewer to sort out what it's all supposed to mean. It's extremely slow -- sometimes tediously so -- but it never feels like a waste of time. It makes some very unusual and interesting points about faith -- not just religious faith, but faith in oneself, faith in the world, faith in the future, faith in anything.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
djrossdjross
Rated 14 Aug 2007
93
99th
A remake of THE WIZARD OF OZ (right down to the colour shifts), and an abstracted version of Tarkovsky's own SOLARIS, as well as numerous other sci-fi/fantasy films (before and since) that are structured as a journey to a place of dreams, nightmares and wish-fulfilment. Also, on the despair that comes from the rejection by intellectuals of the search for the infinite. Tarkovsky: "I am only interested in the views of two people: one is called Bresson and one called Bergman."
Rated 14 Aug 2007
teddedonTedDedon
Rated 01 Aug 2007
99
99th
There is so much that I can rave about but I'll just keep it simple; Stalker is one of the most visually impressive, emotionally gripping, and harrowing movies I've ever come across. As pretentious as this may sound, if there was ever a movie that left me feeling completely different after I saw it, Stalker is that.
Rated 01 Aug 2007
stainStain
Rated 29 Mar 2007
0
8th
In all likelihood, the most boring science fiction film ever made
Rated 29 Mar 2007
anomalyAnomaly
Rated 02 Mar 2009
97
99th
One of the most intensely lonely and dystopic films made, at least on a superficial level. I can't say I was able to pick everything up from the deeper philosophical levels, and it may take not only rewatches but more life experience to understand it all, but you don't need to understand it all to realize that this is something amazing. Those last few scenes are absolutely mind-blowing.
Rated 02 Mar 2009
cat9mancat9man
Rated 10 Mar 2012
45
8th
Long slow pretentious and boring
Rated 10 Mar 2012
hawkinsHawkins
Rated 30 Jun 2020
82
74th
Lost me at the end when it turns into an explicit Jesus reborn/science killed god tirade - it just gets heavy-handed and whiny. But I like the buildup, the Stalker's emotionally fragile lead makes it tense and keeps me believing without evidence in the rules and power of the Zone, the unknowable truth hidden inside. We get to the Room and only the camera enters, putting the big question to the viewer. Well I'll tell you what I'd get from it. Two chicks at the same time, man.
Rated 30 Jun 2020
jebJeb
Rated 27 Jul 2008
100
98th
This very film fueled my desire and cravings for cinema. This film evokes so many feelings, understandings and grandeur. For some it's downright breathtaking. For me, it's just visually gripping with profound imagery, scenes and of course photography. On an emotional scale, this is completely over-the-top with so many complex, enigmatic aesthetics. Just plain amazing.
Rated 27 Jul 2008
terrymacterrymac
Rated 16 Jan 2020
93
99th
Quite extraordinary in so many ways. I liked pretty much everything about this, although I think it may have broken my brain somewhat. I'll definitely have to watch this again, and l need to see more by this filmmaker.
Rated 16 Jan 2020
kahKAH
Rated 28 Apr 2009
4
93rd
Encompasses all.
Rated 28 Apr 2009
crayonCRAYON
Rated 05 Mar 2010
92
92nd
Stalker is quite slow, and minimalist. The plot was hard for me to follow, but I never really lost interest. The cinematography alone could have kept me interested for awhile longer than 2.5 hours. On top of amazing photography the sets were amazing, and they helped craft one of the most atmospheric movies I have ever seen. If you go into Stalker expecting slow and beautiful you will be rewarded with an amazing experience.
Rated 05 Mar 2010
barthalenBarthalen
Rated 26 Nov 2009
90
97th
I was initially surprised at the lack of any real resolutions, but maybe I was just too interested to discover what the Zone and the Room really were capable of than on the journey of discovery and spiritual change the main characters go through. Has a wonderful sense of foreboding, the long takes and the locations used are simply perfect. Watching this movie was such a unique experience... tense, thought-provoking, depressing and enchanting all at once. Deserves, no, demands a rewatch.
Rated 26 Nov 2009
actionbergActionberg
Rated 20 Jun 2009
100
99th
A glorious compendium of faith. An incredibly dense masterpiece with a truly infinite wealth of possibilities. There is never an end to a film by Tarkovsky; they're so uniquely haunting and beautiful that you take them with you into real life. Damn if it isn't my favorite movie ever.
Rated 20 Jun 2009
joojooJooJoo
Rated 10 Sep 2008
4
55th
[2nd Watch] I don't see this as a masterpiece of any kind but it asks important questions in a manner unlike most; is as much a mystery as it is adventure, fantasy, horror, character study, and [above all] philosophical in tone. There is endless talk of the cinematography but it's the use of silence & sound and those astonishing locations that really create the atmosphere. I'm not entirely convinced of his execution, but Tarkovsky is beginning to grow on me.
Rated 10 Sep 2008
senseisensei
Rated 03 Jan 2009
85
84th
As an audio-visual experience, it's unparalleled, and its premise is interesting. Its slow, contemplative pace and the visuals and sounds make it an absorbing experience, but at times Stalker lingers on an environment or a concept for too long, breaking the dream-like state it previously induced. Regardless, if you can make it through all 25 hours, Stalker will make an impact on you - if not for its philosophical musings, for the environments it immerses you in.
Rated 03 Jan 2009
glumpy99glumpy_99
Rated 02 Aug 2020
99
97th
An extraordinary masterpiece purely on a technical level - awe inspiring tracking shots (with actors stepping into frame at *just* the right moment!) and an influential, grimy and unpleasant view of rancid dystopia (you can almost smell the bog!) Masterful performances from the three leads as they journey into hell, with the sepia book ends contrasting perfectly with the full-colour tour of the underworld. Long and deliberately paced, but not nearly as sluggish (or humourless) as its reputation.
Rated 02 Aug 2020
blayzeblayze
Rated 22 Apr 2007
100
98th
Words cannot describe the emonational shock it creates in the right person. Watching this - just like every Tarkovsky piece - you feel so isolated. Anxiety attacks and existential pain.
Rated 22 Apr 2007
luna6ixLuna6ix
Rated 11 Dec 2008
93
99th
stunning, and beautiful, a great story, with the philisophical questions that come with, and all adressed in the movie. truly a work of art.
Rated 11 Dec 2008
eldred08Eldred08
Rated 12 Nov 2008
93
89th
The beginning with that sepia thing and the philosophical dialogues along the film is amazing , however there are some parts that I found a little boring, but it is a very strong and different one. I've never seen something like 'Stalker'. It is a good analysis through the eyes of some hopeless people... Tarkovski was evidently a great and powerful mind...
Rated 12 Nov 2008
zayankZayanK
Rated 03 Dec 2010
97
97th
After I saw Solaris I remember reading a review by Roger Ebert where he said that Tarkovsky's films are more like environments than entertainments, and this is definitely true for Stalker.
Rated 03 Dec 2010
martrynmartryn
Rated 25 Jun 2011
89
92nd
I don't fucking get it. Tarkovsky is entirely too hit or miss for me. He seems to make movies not to entertain, but as art or some shit. Not only that, but the movie doesn't make sense. Read the wiki synopsis, and you'll be confused. Read Roadside Picnic and you'll be confused. It's like a script written by a five year old. I don't want to watch a film of still photographs for two and a half hours. I'm convinced people rate this high BECAUSE it's Tarkovsky and they feel they have to.
Rated 25 Jun 2011
alex_watkinsAlex Watkins
Rated 26 Sep 2010
4
70th
Stalker is anything but easy to watch - it's almost oppressively slow sometimes, not to mention brooding and mysterious - but it's certainly rewarding in the end. Deals with questions of faith and philosophy in an interesting (albeit occasionally dry) manner, and creates a state of reverie and atmosphere that is hypnotic at times. Something that almost certainly requires repeat viewings.
Rated 26 Sep 2010
nathan_sNathan S
Rated 30 Jun 2008
5
93rd
"For what they call passion is not really the energy of the soul, but merely friction between the soul and the outside world." The Zone is passion, beyond comprehension but existing in each of us. Here, rendered among unbelievable wasteland locations, is an uncanny and mesmerizing external manifestation of anxieties, fears, desires.
Rated 30 Jun 2008
danilolopesDanilolopes
Rated 24 Feb 2008
100
98th
best movie ever - end of review.
Rated 24 Feb 2008
xakkmasterXakkMaster
Rated 25 Jul 2017
89
86th
Breathtaking photography, scenery, and atmosphere makes this a must-see for anyone with a serious interest in film. The narrative is a bit thin and the philosophical dialogue, though occasionally contemplative, is more self-congratulatory than it is meaningful, yet the pacing allows for several subtle fantastical moments that tickle the subconscious.
Rated 25 Jul 2017
vesupriavesupria
Rated 13 Mar 2010
10
98th
It's very hard to put this into words, because really it's more of a feeling than something concrete. To me it has the ambience of a dreary daydream, the whole sifting in and out of shades of black and grey, the long silences, whilst looking out a window with rain drops running down in front of you. It begs a lot of questions about our imagination, and the worth of our thoughts and hopes; the best part is that it just provides the framework, the answers are left for another daydream.
Rated 13 Mar 2010
feublofeublo
Rated 07 Nov 2018
100
99th
Tarkovsky adapts this sci-fi, fantasy using a mix of imagery and themes that brought me to a transcendent state. Heavily weighed with symbols and poetry, I desired more with each frame as I tried to conceptualize my experience. A monument that contains something new to unpack with each visit, and perhaps one of the most life-reflecting films I'll forever connect with.
Rated 07 Nov 2018
christiaanbchristiaanb
Rated 02 Mar 2010
94
99th
Stalker must be one of the most impressive movies I've ever seen, but if you're planning to see it be prepared to engage in a slow, dark and often philosophical movie. Tarkovsky somehow succeeds in keeping your attention with powerfull images while at the same time he refuses to make it easy, constantly deluding you and refusing to bring down the movie to a coherent script. After a first view chances are small you will have the feeling you 'got' the movie but I guess that only adds to the charm.
Rated 02 Mar 2010
backwardsuitbackwardsuit
Rated 19 Nov 2014
90
97th
In my experience this is the only film that uses "tactical boredom" to any relevant effect. Despite the intriguing premise, it's kinda hard to get into the story without some context of Russian history. The atmosphere is key and has a lot to do with the state secrecy around nuclear testing in remote villages. The film, however, is so psychologically layered and open to interpretation it remains endlessly rewarding to watch, if you have some good will towards it's unique style.
Rated 19 Nov 2014
desertpunkDesertPunk
Rated 29 Jul 2012
96
99th
Stalker is special. Logically, it shouldn't work as a movie, but Tarkovsky pulls out everything from nothing with his unmatched directorial talent. Beautiful and captivating from beginning to end.
Rated 29 Jul 2012
farzanFarzan
Rated 04 Sep 2007
98
98th
Wow, some of the greatest photography and scenery I have ever seen. Very mysterious film. I didn't understand it that much when I saw it, but if I watch it a few more times, I'm sure I will like it more.
Rated 04 Sep 2007
twincinematwincinema
Rated 08 Oct 2018
65
42nd
I am going to perform heresy and claim that I am not a fan of this film. I did like how it allowed me to go into a meditative state. However, it captured all the boredom of reading a philosophical text. Tarkovsky absolutely succeeds in what he is aiming for, but this is just not for me.
Rated 08 Oct 2018
aflickeringAFlickering
Rated 02 Jun 2013
6
86th
idealism's last stand in an eden strewn with the clutter of ungranted wishes. may be too overtly allegorical to be his best film, but it's among the medium's most meditative experiences, and the bulk of its fears and dreams and agonies are expressed through composition and actor posture alone.
Rated 02 Jun 2013
mattorama12mattorama12
Rated 08 Dec 2017
89
97th
You could describe many of the scenes as going on for way too long, but that actually improved it. It allows the viewer to get lost in the thoughts that the movie brings out. And leave it to Tarkovsky to somehow make a simple telephone ring seem completely bizarre. Two thirds of the way through this I thought it had potential to be one of my all-time favorite films, but it lost me a bit as it deflated toward the end.
Rated 08 Dec 2017
sirvasilSirVasil
Rated 05 Apr 2007
100
99th
This film has everything! It's beautiful, actors are great, camera is excellent, plot is brilliant... I don't know if I could find anything what wouldn't deserve superlatives... хорошо труд господин режиссер!
Rated 05 Apr 2007
tinythedoggtinythedogg
Rated 09 Feb 2009
30
13th
Even though it is poetic, philosophical and somewhat thought provoking, this was one of the most boring movies that was even considered sci fi. Maybe it was just me, but I could not seem to get into this and this seemed like the kind of movie I would fall in love with. Maybe I need to watch it one more time, but I don't feel like wasting my time.
Rated 09 Feb 2009
theescapistTheEscapist
Rated 03 Feb 2019
87
96th
Beautiful film. Sublime music and cinematography. It transports you to a different world for a few hours and manages to reach into your soul. The characters and dialogue are of top tier quality. This is film as art. A spiritual experience. The only reason I didn't rate it higher (for now) is the fact that it can be excruciatingly slow at times. I think I will watch it again sometime.
Rated 03 Feb 2019
ddrudgesd_drudges
Rated 26 Dec 2013
100
99th
A perfect movie as far as I'm concerned. In the walks of life, will you believe someone who says he has seen it all before, or will you try to cut your own path? Are the perils he speaks of real? After all, some say that the journey is more important than the destination. That said, I couldn't imagine a better stalker for me than Andrei Tarkovsky.
Rated 26 Dec 2013
brandt64brandt64
Rated 15 Sep 2009
95
94th
Stalker is impressive not just because it has excellent cinematography, but because Tarkovsky uses it, combined with sound, music, and pacing, to its fullest extent to create one of the most immersive and aesthetically-stunning experiences in cinema. The philosophical nuances are abundant and not possible to all pick up on the first time around, but I feel that its basic message of hope and humility in the face of helplessness and blind ambition was expressed elegantly.
Rated 15 Sep 2009
nathanbatesNathanBates
Rated 01 Sep 2019
80
78th
Throughout the movie, I couldn't help but think that if this were a little less ponderous, it would be more well-known and we wouldn't have had to suffer through The Maze Runner. This is a beautiful artsy movie that evokes Heart of Darkness in a just-futuristic world. Its dystopia is unnerving, as it appears brighter and better than the current world. (As a former tour guide, I wasn't all that impressed by this Stalker, who never seemed to tell his charges anything until the last moment.)
Rated 01 Sep 2019
purgatospurgatos
Rated 22 Sep 2008
94
95th
This a very interesting film for two reasons: first is the incredible visual atmosphere held for the entire runtime of the film and second is the kind of the questions about faith and hope it asks the viewer. It's a very slow film, but there's never really a time when nothing is happening. I wasn't bored for a second.
Rated 22 Sep 2008
icarusIcarus
Rated 10 Sep 2010
100
99th
Mysterious, poetic, and deeply meaningful, Stalker attains a level of beauty that few films have matched. Tarkovsky's patience in relating the events extends not simply to the pacing (which helps the film become increasingly engrossing on repeated viewings), but to the slight details he lets out about the characters as well. The Stalker--isolated and looked down on by the rest of society--calls the people back to faith and humility, a message the educated elite seem unable or unwilling to heed.
Rated 10 Sep 2010
atgizaAtGiza
Rated 30 Apr 2010
100
99th
Drone-cinema. Watching this was like some kinda spiritual experience for me. I don't know if any film has made me feel the way this masterpiece has.
Rated 30 Apr 2010
wwallce4prezWWallce4prez
Rated 30 Nov 2009
90
95th
Stalker may have some of the most impressive cinematography that I have ever seen. Quite literally, this is a moving canvas by a phenomenal artist. The story wasn't as jaw dropping as the visuals, but its tough to fault the film for that in this case.
Rated 30 Nov 2009
rufamRufam
Rated 25 Aug 2012
90
97th
Sublime. Laboriously paced but never boring, it presents us with some fascinating philosophical questions but the main attraction is the absolutely mesmerizing atmosphere. Tarkovsky is a master of his craft and the film is a visual masterpiece -and, probably, a masterpiece period.
Rated 25 Aug 2012
anilscnanilscn
Rated 21 May 2018
60
66th
Tarkovsky her filminde böyle mi acaba. Tanrının varlığına kanıt için 160 dakikalık film çeken birisinin filmde aşağıladığı "aydın" kimselerce sevilmesi dayanılmaz bir ironi. Ben güzel çekim kalitesine, tabloluk görüntülere, felsefi cümlelere kanmıyorum. Filmin anlamını arıyorum. Bu filmdeki anlamı uygulayanlar malesef şu an Suriye'de kafa kesiyor.
Rated 21 May 2018
zanginZangin
Rated 13 Mar 2018
60
37th
Beautiful but tedious. I love long, deliberate shots but there needs to be something there to engage me in the scene and that's something that this film often fails to provide. I often found myself bored while watching. In spite of that though, to this film's credit, I was never uninterested.
Rated 13 Mar 2018
inhmninhmn
Rated 12 Jan 2009
100
99th
well - favorite movie of all time. I have seen it at least 30 times and each time i like it a little bit more. I'm afraid to continue this , because something weird may occur. Anyway - this film is stunning. Stalker - the post-apocalyptic martyr, leads the Science and the Art to see the FAITH and in the end he dies from their mistrust. Plus this movie has the most beautiful cinematography ever !
Rated 12 Jan 2009
nepetaNepeta
Rated 15 May 2015
100
99th
Just as Professor and Writer are forces of science and art, so too is Stalker the competing force of faith. We're given the space both to believe in the weight given to this world we explore, and also to be sceptical and doubt it. How much do we choose to believe in The Zone's power, or how sceptical are we of what is told to us about it, and what does that say about us?
Rated 15 May 2015
yiannosYiannos
Rated 19 Aug 2017
88
99th
Tarkovsky's use of longshots have a deeply hypnotic effect, creating a singular aesthetic universe that's richly atmospheric and mysterious with a hint of the miraculous. Stalker's stunning delapidated setting reflects intense psychological states, and there are three masterful scenes that are impossible to shake: the long ride to the Zone, a walk through a dimly lit tunnel, and the partial reveal of the room. The innovative sound design evocatively blurs the line between nature and industry.
Rated 19 Aug 2017
lexlex
Rated 29 Mar 2013
90
80th
Visually, one of my favorite movies. Tarkovsky has an ability to create his own worlds through film, solely with an ability with a camera and imagination, which are more fascinating than any special effects could create. A haunting experience that requires patience. Ambiguities which will call you to return, provided you can tackle the sometimes tedious pacing.
Rated 29 Mar 2013
bellamyrbellamyr
Rated 30 Dec 2012
33
13th
Near a grey and nameless city ... was the multiplex where I saw this tripe. Uninviting, unapplealing and unimaginative.
Rated 30 Dec 2012
omgfridgeomgfridge
Rated 27 Dec 2009
8
80th
Stalker is going to stay with me. A re-watch is seeming essential as there is so much to understand and feel. The imagery is from another planet which is fitting since it is sci-fi. My first Tarkovsky and I really cannot wait for the rest.
Rated 27 Dec 2009
kebapcheKebapche
Rated 28 Sep 2009
100
99th
Pure art!
Rated 28 Sep 2009
prowlerprowler
Rated 02 May 2012
94
97th
Saw it again 5 years after the first time, felt like a totally new film. This time the girls (Stalker's wife & daughter) seemed to hold the key. Looking forward to watching it in 5 more years and having my mind blown again.
Rated 02 May 2012
pzinggpzingg
Rated 11 Mar 2012
98
96th
Tarkovsky in complete control of his cinema. If you can tolerate 2 hours and 40 minutes of the human condition, as told by three Beckettian lost souls trying to find meaning by escaping (even temporarily) a tedious, nuclear-paranoid world, you will be richly rewarded.
Rated 11 Mar 2012
zimpanxZimpanX
Rated 22 Apr 2012
40
3rd
I respect it for being the inspiration to one of my favorite video games and it has got some amazing cinematography, scenery and photography. But I'm sorry this was just too friggin' boring and I see no reason for it to stretch out for nearly 3 hours. Also the dialogue mostly consists of very heavy handed and inaccessible philosophy and talk of danger that never manifests itself. I will most likely never watch it again
Rated 22 Apr 2012
prebralPrebral
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
94th
A slow and philosophical adaptation of a russian sci-fi novel written by Strugacky brothers (dir. A. Tarkovsky). A stalker (guide) leads a writer and a scientist into a Zone, a place with it's own rules, abandoned area which is a remain of an enigmatic alien visit, seeking a place that is rumored to grant human wishes. Most of scenes are based on examining motives and characters of these three people and meaning of human life. The movie's setting - a dystopical unknown (post)industrial landscape being reclaimed by nature - add a lot to the it's overall impact.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
paxtonPaxton
Rated 24 Jan 2012
72
72nd
Beautiful and ten degrees of philosophical but still engaging. The Zone sounds like a good place to throw a party!
Rated 24 Jan 2012
dardandardan
Rated 20 Aug 2015
80
86th
some gloomy, tenebrous aestheticisms overcast contents of sporadic esoteric musings, though there might not be more congruence than being an overcast. seems as though tarkovsky filmed it in the way he wanted the film from his efforts return as being, this being one of a free yet consistent and directed flow of consciousness - taking a dirt road off the mountain, to a call or, if you will, a zone. but somehow this didn't quite work out.
Rated 20 Aug 2015
lisa_iilisa-
Rated 14 Sep 2013
6
83rd
it is rather frustrating that a director who otherwise produces fantastic films stuffs them to the brim with philosophical fluff that expresses far fewer ideas than the number of syllables it takes to dictate them. it is beautiful and intriguing, but lay off the dialogue, man.
Rated 14 Sep 2013
deaddillydeaddilly
Rated 14 Oct 2018
100
99th
"Stalker" hypnotically lulls its patient viewers into a neutral, malleable state of mind. It is an undefinable piece of art, focused on providing us seeds of wisdom to spark a rethinking of our biggest ideas. Most films I love allow me to channel a specific version of myself when I leave them -- This film made me feel like a baby. "Hardness and strength are death's companions. Flexibility and softness are the embodiment of life."
Rated 14 Oct 2018
parcalihamparcaliham
Rated 03 Dec 2010
100
99th
03 aralik 10 & bazen bir film bitisinde, ustune cumle kurmak bosunadir.
Rated 03 Dec 2010
caimancaiman
Rated 04 Jun 2012
82
68th
A dense, impenetrable tangled web of a movie. There's almost TOO much to grab hold of, both visually and thematically, at least in one viewing. Tarkovsky's locations are stunningly detailed and his use of shifting color palettes is the best since The Wizard of Oz. The languid pace of the film, set by the camera work and editing, reminded me of Bela Tarr, only not quite to that extreme. As for what this film "means," I'm at such a loss that I'm not even positive it actually means anything.
Rated 04 Jun 2012
xacviantxacviant
Rated 01 Jul 2012
94
98th
Part I seems a bit conventional--if very well made--but it carefully lays the ground for the immense philosophical and emotional payoff of Part II--the journey into the heart of the Zone. Tarkovsky's trademark careful pacing pays great dividends, and his production design is captured perfectly by the truly awe-inspiring cinematography. Aleksandr Kaidanovsky scores as the haunted Stalker; Anatoli Solonitsyn is spot-on as the disillusioned Writer. Rich, complex script; beautiful, haunting music.
Rated 01 Jul 2012
kevinjosephkevinjoseph
Rated 21 Nov 2010
67
62nd
I'm beginning to think Tarkovsky just isn't for me. I'm most impressed by films that can address higher-order concepts while still relating them to the established plot and character context. This film gets too lost in esoteric dialogue (neglecting its genuinely interesting plot and characters) to be an effective film. At the same time, I admit perhaps I'm missing some essential je ne sais quoi of Tarkovsky's films and maybe I'll learn to appreciate his works some 15 or so years down the line.
Rated 21 Nov 2010
hehejajahehejaja
Rated 15 May 2008
80
76th
Irresistibly contemplative; more than beautiful, more than difficult.
Rated 15 May 2008
bofbof
Rated 11 Apr 2013
90
97th
In the category "Movies that literally killed its cast", it's certainly better than "The Conqueror".
Rated 11 Apr 2013
haydengvHaydenGV
Rated 29 Dec 2016
97
95th
Stalker is a beautifully somber reflection on the search for happiness, faith, identity and fulfillment through the existentially philosophical lens of Andrei Tarkovsky. Filled with unforgettable imagery and a definite need to rewatch a time or two, Tarkovsky crafts a deeply rich film that speaks spiritually to the soul and moves at a meditative dreamlike pace, but never once feels strained, sluggish or just plain boring.
Rated 29 Dec 2016
damildamil
Rated 12 Jun 2012
80
90th
I have my own theories as to what the film is about, but I'll keep them so myself so as to not taint anyone's expectations. It's quite long and slow-moving, but I wouldn't say it was ever boring. I really liked the sense of physicality the film brought to itself. I could really feel the physical spaces. Yeah, so, certainly an interesting film. Though it won't be to everyone's tastes.
Rated 12 Jun 2012
ronthedogronthedog
Rated 07 Jan 2009
80
47th
Hypnotic and contemplative with beautiful cinematography and sound. As for profound? Not sure, but it didn't pull up any trees for me.
Rated 07 Jan 2009
sopachuco13sopachuco13
Rated 22 Jun 2019
90
84th
Excruciatingly slow paced and laced throughout with thought provoking imagery and dialog. Russian art is some of the most cerebral stuff in the world. This movie was wonderful but it is a film that I would need to watch 20 more times just to figure out what is going on, let alone start picking away at some of the more subtle storytelling done through the cinematography and direction. I like this movie because it is an enigma and I'm sure I will enjoy watching it again.
Rated 22 Jun 2019
fredericg54frederic_g54
Rated 21 Aug 2008
6
34th
As someone once stated, "Stalker is only as good as what the individual brings to it". I'll give it a rewatch one day but for now, Ivan's Childhood is probably Tarkovsky's most accessible film.
Rated 21 Aug 2008
neonmanNeonman
Rated 04 Aug 2012
80
63rd
At once, it's simple, yet head-scramblingly complex. It's tedious, and exciting. It's beautifully ugly. I understood the whole film, yet I still don't know what it's about. It may not be the most entertaining film ever made, but I still want to watch it on repeat for the rest of my life.
Rated 04 Aug 2012
milkacowmilkacow
Rated 14 Aug 2018
80
29th
This movie would be 100 if it was 15 minutes less
Rated 14 Aug 2018
adamj1982adamj1982
Rated 02 Jul 2014
87
90th
Great film, I just went into it just expecting a film, when I should have been preparing for an experience.
Rated 02 Jul 2014
evan_watersEvan Waters
Rated 28 Apr 2009
98
98th
Another hypnotic, devastating work by Tarkovsky.
Rated 28 Apr 2009
funkyastroFunkyAstro
Rated 08 Dec 2012
100
99th
Not even going to attempt a review. There would be no justice found.
Rated 08 Dec 2012
pierretheronPierreTheron
Rated 26 Feb 2010
100
95th
Belief is a powerful force, manipulatively self-deluding, or positively enabling and life-affirming. Stalker embodies this theme and leaves the viewer within constant uncertainty, it is up to you to make your own conclusions, to piece together the philosophies revealed by the harrowing performances of its three main characters and from that shape your own belief regarding the enigmatic purpose and presence of the Zone. Amazingly shot, amazingly acted, amazing in every respect. Beautiful.
Rated 26 Feb 2010
obdurateObdurate
Rated 26 Jul 2008
100
99th
It's got amazing direction, cinematography and acting. The plot is great. The pacing makes it feel like it's a lot shorter than it really is. Never a dull moment. Tarkovsky was a master.
Rated 26 Jul 2008
ryan_luedersRyan Lueders
Rated 07 Feb 2016
25
3rd
A movie about a peeping Tom would be a lot more exciting than this boring Russian science fiction film. If you can even spot the science fiction in this movie. The film consists of almost 3 hours of disjointed philosophy while traipsing through sewer tunnels and fields. I've honestly had more fun during a movies credits rolling at the end, than what I saw in this movie...
Rated 07 Feb 2016
drstrangeluvdrstrangeluv
Rated 15 Jul 2010
100
99th
One of the most powerful expressions of the filmic language I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. Tarkovsky pushes the medium to its maximum potential, creating a complex and moving work of visual poetry.
Rated 15 Jul 2010
mwgerbmwgerb
Rated 12 Feb 2011
73
89th
It feels a bit uneven to me. However, when it hits its mark, it knocks it out of the park. The last few scenes are some of the most beautiful I've seen.
Rated 12 Feb 2011
qthealmightyQtheAlmighty
Rated 27 Dec 2012
92
99th
Slow, but not bad slow. Like seeping into your soul slow. Like water leeching into soil. Always beautiful and at times heartbreaking.
Rated 27 Dec 2012
ceekay19Ceekay19
Rated 15 Sep 2023
80
80th
Writer: "A man writes because he is tormented, because he doubts. He needs to constantly prove to himself and the others that he's worth something. And if I know for sure that I'm a genius? Why write then? What the hell for?"
Rated 15 Sep 2023
fantacbobFantacBob
Rated 12 Jun 2009
60
39th
A Russian "art" film and therefore enigmatic. Supposed to be a political statement but since I don't suffer under those politics I don't really understand it.
Rated 12 Jun 2009
nutcrackrnutcrackr
Rated 10 Jan 2010
84
90th
The pacing is very slow but the crafting of the scenes, in particular the sound is so clever and exaggerated it jumps out so boldly. The characters and philosophy formed almost constantly create intrigue and clearly the dialogue is very interesting. It's slow and methodical and I felt the first few and the last few scenes weren't necessary but perhaps I just don't understand them.
Rated 10 Jan 2010
3drevelation3dRevelation
Rated 20 May 2014
67
37th
Strangely alluring, but maybe that is because of the premise. The actual execution was disappointing IMO. I don't mind that it's long, but more that it doesn't do as much with that runtime as I expected. Like Solaris, Stalker has some philosophical babble that I don't really much care for, but Stalker has heavy religious undertones. I probably shouldn't have been laughing at the ending.
Rated 20 May 2014
radresRadres
Rated 30 Dec 2009
90
96th
A mystical journey to the core of human nature. An attempt to understand what lies within us, followed with beautiful cinematography and haunting performances. Definitely a milestone in film making.
Rated 30 Dec 2009
torontodogtorontodog
Rated 29 Mar 2008
90
94th
Very slow and long. I really had to watch it twice (and that takes a while). I still don't understand it, but I don't think it's supposed to be understandable, so don't get too caught up in the confusion if you watch it. It is visually stunning. Overall, I found the effect to be dream-like.
Rated 29 Mar 2008
honestthiefHonest_Thief
Rated 11 Mar 2016
5
91st
Tarkovsky seems to have an almost contempt for the audience's desires for instant gratification, and he was critiqued at the time for Stalker's slow pacing. Yet it's a very rewarding film; while slow in its build up, it is a meticulously crafted movie and nothing was left to chance or fate.
Rated 11 Mar 2016
qvtQVT
Rated 11 May 2009
15
23rd
about
Rated 11 May 2009
svengaliSvengali
Rated 29 Oct 2011
94
99th
On my second viewing I had read Sculpting in Time twice prior to seeing it and you definitely notice a lot of reoccurring themes, thoughts and ideas - even the use of singular words. Still I must say that I have few, very few minor - minor gripes with it. Lovely electronic score and his tactfulness for sounds and their different nuances really comes through.
Rated 29 Oct 2011

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