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The Sacrifice
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The Sacrifice

1986
Drama
2h 29m
Alexander, a journalist and former actor and philosopher, tells his little son how worried he is about the lack of spirituality of modern mankind... (imdb)
Directed by:
Andrei Tarkovsky Andrei Tarkovsky
Written by:
Andrei Tarkovsky Andrei Tarkovsky
Starring:
Valérie Mairesse Erland Josephson Erland Josephson Sven Wollter Guðrún Gísladóttir Susan Fleetwood Allan Edwall Allan Edwall
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Genre:
Drama
AKA:
Offret
Countries:
France, Sweden, UK
Languages:
Swedish, Icelandic
imdb More information at IMDb
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The Sacrifice

1986
Drama
2h 29m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 71.93% from 1360 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

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martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 17 Jan 2007
48
7th
When it's not tedious, it's either laughably overdramatic or just plain stupid. It starts out nicely for the first 15 minutes. After that it's rough sailing. There are moments of interesting insight and intriguing imagery (hail Sven Nykvist), unfortunately they tend to get buried by the overly theatrical stage direction, godawful acting (Susan Fleetwood, this means you), and dearth of subtlety.
Rated 17 Jan 2007
spanksSpanks
Rated 01 Sep 2011
25
15th
Well, I really wanted to like this film. I really did. And although I did enjoy a lot of the cinematography and abstract moments, the constant monologues and symbolism for EVERYTHING become straight up annoying. It simply became hard for to care about the characters at all. Just because a film is "deep" does not make it a work of art. Seriously, read the 'Binding of Isaac' and save yourself some time.
Rated 01 Sep 2011
kahKAH
Rated 28 Apr 2009
4
93rd
A culmination of everything Tarkovsky sought to explore in his earlier films. It's perhaps his most ambiguous work, dealing with faith in a higher power as usual, but placing it opposite nihilism, with references to Nietzsche. A slow paced and grief-stricken vision, and the conclusion makes one wonder what Tarkovsky really believed in at the end of his life. Opens up for personal interpretations and rewards multiple viewings this one.
Rated 28 Apr 2009
moribunnyMoribunny
Rated 16 Jun 2009
50
38th
Extremely long shots painstakingly staged and choreographed, meticulously calculated framing, timed, soft switches in lighting and color saturation... The Sacrifice, like Tarkovsky's other films, is a formalist's dream. Sadly, and also not unlike his others, it is a sluggish, stuck-up, overserious and boring Christian parable.
Rated 16 Jun 2009
teddedonTedDedon
Rated 15 Aug 2007
94
92nd
Tarkovsky is possibly the most consistently amazing director I've had the good fortune of experiencing. The Sacrifice, though moving at a glacial pace, is more than rewarding with its depressing and subtle themes, excellent characters, and beautiful and haunting imagery. It's not an easy watch but it is superb nonetheless.
Rated 15 Aug 2007
rufamRufam
Rated 01 Oct 2011
50
14th
"Offret" is pretty-looking, but you probably expected that. It's also self-absorbed, esoteric, alienating and almost mind-numbingly boring. When I was not struggling to make some sense out of the philosophical drooling, I was comatose due to sheer tedium. The premise is intriguing (it's the end of the world... I think), the visuals haunting and there is a nice Bergman feel to it. You may be able to appreciate all that, given that you manage to stay awake, which is highly questionable.
Rated 01 Oct 2011
staryarabbistaryarabbi
Rated 28 Nov 2014
95
97th
Apocaliptic setting with vague time and space in which Alexander lives the nightmare about the vanity and futility of his life. His wife and everyone around him seem him as traitors and become objects of fantasy (but nightmarish) and he finds relief in Mary's knee but for that he should transform himself as an actor to "a living object of art" and that's only possible if he can actually risk his life. Hence he sacrifices his "home" to deserve it: he possesses it only when he sacrifices it.
Rated 28 Nov 2014
amerigoamerigo
Rated 20 Jan 2008
77
46th
It's a shame that Tarkovsky degenerated from the brilliant complexity of Stalker to this. Visually it's still as well done as one would expect from a director of his caliber, but the straightforward modern Christian parable of the script becomes too overpowering towards the end. That might be acceptable, but the problem is that Tarkovsky fails to make it convincing, human, and/or touching.
Rated 20 Jan 2008
creaglucreaglu
Rated 17 Jun 2015
98
99th
A deliberate attempt by Tarkovsky to create something Bergmanesque, going as far as hiring Bergman's DP to shoot the film. High stakes existential despair, beautiful interactions patiently allowed to play out in wide frame and a beautiful setting contribute to a true masterpiece.
Rated 17 Jun 2015
hawkinsHawkins
Rated 30 Jun 2020
41
9th
More like The Suckrifice
Rated 30 Jun 2020
bentienbentien
Rated 14 Apr 2015
86
95th
No one makes images like Tarkovsky. The film is everything 'Melancholia' tries to be, but doesen't come close to achieving.
Rated 14 Apr 2015
spikycactusSpikyCactus
Rated 10 Mar 2019
55
13th
Top badass moment? A miserable old loser gets into the maid’s knickers, by telling her a sob story about ruining his mother’s garden. As a gardener myself, that’s a chat-up line I must try. The rest of the time he's like an annoying alcoholic in a pub, who randomly spouts boring and depressing philosophy to anyone who'll listen. Meanwhile, loud plane noises keep viewers awake, a dead tree is planted badly and a mosh pit develops on a zebra crossing. No cats, chainsaws or decapitations.
Rated 10 Mar 2019
cinemaasiaCinema_Asia
Rated 09 Mar 2010
85
92nd
If there are any flaws in this film it's that Tarkovsky's characters tend to provide a little too much philosophical and religious exposition at times. In one scene Victor wryly comments about being tired of monologues which may have been Tarkovsky poking fun at himself. The interweaving of religion, philosophy, and fear of nuclear war is interesting too. The masterful use of dreamlike states shows that Tarkovsky never lost his touch right down to the last film.
Rated 09 Mar 2010
pickpocketPickpocket
Rated 10 Dec 2011
0
4th
The definition of tedious. I've never seen a film try so hard to be profound and meaningful before. It's pretty sad actually. The main character is borderline mentally retarded, his actions make no sense, his philosophizing is embarrassing and he constantly baffles you with his banal, trite bullshit. It doesn't overtly manipulate you like a Spielberg film but it tells you how you're supposed to think, which is much more insulting imo.
Rated 10 Dec 2011
hotsakehotsake
Rated 20 Aug 2019
50
34th
I'm starting to come to the conclusion that Tarkovsky films are not my thing as I find his films to be completely over rating in every way. The imagery is amazing at times and the idea behind the story is pretty interesting but the character are dull and boring, the pace is way to slow and the dialogue is laughably bad. Also why did this have to be 2.5 hours long? there's only 30 minutes of actual story.
Rated 20 Aug 2019
feublofeublo
Rated 25 Mar 2020
95
97th
Towards the end of existence, a feverish dream becomes reality. The human spirit still lacks certainty, "what have I devoted to? Whom am I devoted to?" Here, it's a beautiful gesture burning it all down to rediscover his faith. Tarkovsky is letting his son know (and us) that in the end, we'll face these same questions of sacrifice and rediscover what our lives really mean to us.
Rated 25 Mar 2020
mentaculusMentaculus
Rated 10 May 2012
91
90th
Never make an ultimatium with God. He may take you up on it.
Rated 10 May 2012
suture_selfSuture Self
Rated 29 Oct 2013
2
13th
A very tedious and obvious Christian parable that didn't resonate with me for a variety of reasons, some philosophical, others as simple as "This is boring as hell." If you want to save yourself some time, read Matthew 19: 16-26 or Luke 12:33-34 instead. It's a shame that a man who can make a movie like The Mirror went out with this stick in the mud. Religious individuals concerned with moral autonomy and divine judgment might enjoy this.
Rated 29 Oct 2013
stainStain
Rated 26 Mar 2007
40
23rd
Like some weird fairy tale, and not in a good way
Rated 26 Mar 2007
greyscaleGreyscale
Rated 30 May 2015
87
29th
This is one case in which Tarkovsky's slow, meandering style seems to miss its mark to some extent. Despite being incredibly beautiful and poignant, it seems to lack purpose and substance. Unlike Stalker or Nostalghia, the filmmaker's meditative exploration doesn't seem to lead anywhere.
Rated 30 May 2015
kasperlKasperL
Rated 05 Nov 2018
85
94th
Tarkovsky and Nykvist's images and Josephson's acting are masterful, and the great Russian director's final film might just be his very best. The first 45 minutes of it is a thoroughly brilliant tribute to Ingmar Bergman's films. And then it gets weird ... so it will take some more viewings to extrapolate on what exactly the symbolic parts might mean.
Rated 05 Nov 2018
judo_koalaJudo Koala
Rated 28 Nov 2017
73
44th
Beautiful, morose, boring, cold, redundant, enlightening, maddening, Tarkovsky.
Rated 28 Nov 2017
obdurateObdurate
Rated 04 Mar 2021
85
80th
Slow, but he's known for that. But he's also known for the beauty of his films, and while I don't think it reaches the levels of his best in really any regard, this is still a great flick. The mixing of intelligent conversation and heavy themes is present, and of course there are moments of visual awe that pretty much nobody could ever match. But I couldn't invest as much in the characters as I would have liked, leading to some tedium, in part because the imagery wasn't always there to save it.
Rated 04 Mar 2021
farzanFarzan
Rated 01 Sep 2008
96
97th
The Sacrifice is a film worth watching, but it is there for Tarkovsky fans only. The film has constant breathtaking imagery, and some fantastic acting, namely Erland Josephson, and Allan Edwall. It is an extremely slow moving film, but that is okay because of the poetic nature and the absorbing characters that are present in this film. The Sacrifice is one of the most touching films I have had the experience of watching.
Rated 01 Sep 2008
immolationsimmolations
Rated 17 Dec 2009
100
98th
Highly philosophical film that feels like something by Bergman. Its ability to create beautiful images throughout of a single house is testament to Tarkovsky and the cinematographer. Although the pace is slow the images are fascinating and I found myself in awe of almost every shot. I wouldn't say it's as good as his other work but it's ability to create beauty on a small scale and it's compelling story mean that it's a great film.
Rated 17 Dec 2009
jpotiijpotII
Rated 28 Dec 2019
89
93rd
Aquário
Rated 28 Dec 2019
carlosproCarlospro
Rated 01 Apr 2024
80
81st
tarkovsky filma bizarramente. talvez se eu visse esse filme uns 15 anos antes a nota seria muito maior
Rated 01 Apr 2024
auhasarderikauhasarderik
Rated 04 Sep 2018
5
22nd
How come fans of smart can get behind such awful and trite and manipulative writing? Sketchy. This is choke full with bold choices and stabs at profound issues, but there's no real intelligence behind them. So, there's cinematic interest in the camerawork, and a whole lot of tediousness and dialogue howlers.
Rated 04 Sep 2018
taflandenizTaflanDeniz
Rated 23 Jul 2023
92
97th
It was known that Bergman had an admiration to Tarkovski, "The Sacrifice" shows this connection was not just one sided. Nykvist's shots that we were used to see from Bergman's movies are present in this movie. But also questioning about the god, the loneliness of the characters and unbearable silence in their faces spawns from Bergman's signature classics. Andrei shows his deepest respect to the greatest, the one and only Ingmar Bergman with help of Sven Nykvist (king of cinematography).
Rated 23 Jul 2023
yorgoyorgo
Rated 18 Jun 2023
70
29th
Boring and overly theatrically staged. There is a Bergman feel to it, but to some extent. Probably the weakest Tarkovsky you can get.
Rated 18 Jun 2023
deaddillydeaddilly
Rated 16 May 2023
85
84th
Visions of the apocalypse undermine the tangle of words, ideas, perceptions of the life of the mind. Tarkovsky's final gesture ends quiet, pre-growth, with hope for simple beauty and routine nurturing.
Rated 16 May 2023
guyevertonguyeverton
Rated 09 Mar 2023
66
22nd
Another beautiful film full of stunning composition. After half an hour admiring the beauty and stunning composition, I began searching for a plot or some themes of interest. It was a search as fruitless as the tree in the poster, and lasted another 2 hours. By the end of it my initial wonder had been bludgeoned into boredom by a ridiculous plot with a load of cliched Christian symbolism.
Rated 09 Mar 2023
rushshirtrushshirt
Rated 15 Feb 2023
9
84th
Tarkovsky's last "parable" is seductively cryptic. This intimate but universal drama features some of the finest (and longest) shots in all of filmmaking--still not to be outdone.
Rated 15 Feb 2023
peyrinpeyrin
Rated 10 Jun 2019
70
56th
Religious discussions are a bit tough to get into but there's a lot of passages that strike me as very universal. As usual, the setpieces are nothing short of spectacular.
Rated 10 Jun 2019
shockularSHOCKULAR
Rated 09 Nov 2022
85
85th
The first 45-50 minutes of this are just okay, but everything from when the major event occurs on is pretty incredible. Like a lot of Tarkovsky's for me, it was more of a movie that I felt than thought through. Tarkovsky at his best just has such a hypnotic vibe to his movies and this is no exception. The lighting and color and lack thereof is masterful. My recommendation, at least on the first watch, is not to think too much and just let it take you.
Rated 09 Nov 2022
overratedoverrated
Rated 29 Sep 2019
41
34th
An unsuccessful Bergman homage. Continues the general allegory from Nostalghia with the subtlety of a sledgehammer.
Rated 29 Sep 2019
cvanascvanas
Rated 26 Oct 2022
90
93rd
For Andrei Tarkovsky's last movie, this was quite something to experience. This was a “dreamy movie.” A lot of symbolism is used, as well as philosophical dialogues that make you wonder. Would faith and faithfulness change the world? This film was a little slow-paced, but I was, with a little patience, rewarded with beautiful cinematography and long shots. Was it all real? Or just a dream? That would be a question for each viewer to answer for themselves.
Rated 26 Oct 2022
jordanchasejordanchase
Rated 16 Sep 2020
85
85th
16.09.2020 İstanbul Kartal
Rated 16 Sep 2020
paulofilmopaulofilmo
Rated 01 Mar 2020
73
85th
(of course, whothefuckami to rate tarkovsky's final film? it's a strange and mesmeric probing, and i suppose echoes/alludes to nietzsche's weird dreams, failings in love, and descent into madness)))))))
Rated 01 Mar 2020
ceekay19Ceekay19
Rated 08 Mar 2022
80
80th
Gossen: "In the beginning was the Word. Why is that, Papa?"
Rated 08 Mar 2022
nathanbatesNathanBates
Rated 10 May 2020
40
5th
Like a Bunuel meditation on religion slowed to the glacial pace of a Bergman classic, here we have an hour-long masterclass on theatrical blocking before finally getting to a Faustian bargain. I understand the not-so-subtle allusions to spiritual people who were thought crazy, but I found it too difficult to reconcile the theme with what we see (and what is only hinted at) presented here.
Rated 10 May 2020
nepetaNepeta
Rated 07 Jun 2020
75
56th
It is gorgeous, with some extraordinary scenes and moments, and whilst I don't find the concepts and ideas explored to have the depth they do in his earlier films I do have more respect for them having read other's viewpoints on The Sacrifice and what it is trying to say. But for me it never truly coalesced, feeling almost like someone tried to make what they thought a Tarkovsky film is rather than the genuine experience. That human element is missing for me. That visceral connection is miss
Rated 07 Jun 2020
karbonaichKarbonaich
Rated 19 Aug 2021
85
73rd
w/ Busra
Rated 19 Aug 2021
psimpsim
Rated 10 Jun 2020
68
22nd
I wish I could say that I loved this one, but it left me mostly baffled. It's not very easy to follow, even on a basic level of "who's who?", it is extremely slow-paced, and for a long stretch in the middle it feels like you are trapped in the nightmare of a person with dementia. Probably worth another shot at some point in the future.
Rated 10 Jun 2020
larsvontrierLarsVonTrier
Rated 02 Feb 2021
3
72nd
Weakest Tarkovsky. Maybe because this film has quite noticable Bergman feel in it, and it takes away from that unique Tarkovsky texture.
Rated 02 Feb 2021
mrcimrci
Rated 20 Nov 2020
50
32nd
Difficult to watch and analyze. Need to watch it again in the future.
Rated 20 Nov 2020
calexicoCalexico
Rated 21 Jul 2020
80
66th
Meditative, hypnotic, and visually splendid, but a little monologue-heavy (particularly since I'm relying on subtitles).
Rated 21 Jul 2020
roofsrunnerroofs_runner
Rated 04 May 2011
92
89th
This film is definitely not for everyone. I am not trying to say that it is only for smart or highly intellectual people, no. To watch The Sacrifice you need to know and love what Tarkovsky did before or, at least, be interested in long monologues about life, love, literature and history. Sacrifice is full of death anticipation which later became a symbolic full stop in director's career and life.
Rated 04 May 2011
djrossdjross
Rated 14 Aug 2007
55
53rd
Easily Tarkovsky’s least successful film. Others feel differently, I know, and it is always possible that another viewing could change my feelings somewhat.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
theyshoot07theyshoot07
Rated 01 Mar 2008
82
71st
# 366
Rated 01 Mar 2008
hehejajahehejaja
Rated 27 Apr 2008
70
57th
Grievous, beautiful and demanding.
Rated 27 Apr 2008
dorkovskyDorkovsky
Rated 13 Jun 2008
8
88th
Tarkovsky's ability to mesmerize is still present, but not as interesting as his others that I've seen.
Rated 13 Jun 2008
vertigoodVertigood
Rated 21 Nov 2008
85
90th
Erbarme dich...
Rated 21 Nov 2008
theyshoot08theyshoot08
Rated 19 Dec 2008
81
62nd
388
Rated 19 Dec 2008
seryxaSeryxa
Rated 10 Apr 2009
25
43rd
A brilliantly filmed but obscure and confusing parable that does not easily yield its meaning.
Rated 10 Apr 2009
pompousasspompousass
Rated 07 Aug 2009
40
71st
The final film, before his death by cancer, of Tarkovsky, made in Sweden with local cinematographer (and regular Bergman collaborator) Sven Nykvist -- and recommendable on that count alone. In fact recommendable on the basis of the first shot alone, a placid, contemplative long-take, with leisurely and stately sideways movement, and everthing within the roomy frame equally needle-sharp in focus, and a total effect of deep-breathing pastoralism. The movie runs (crawls, rather) 2 1/2 hours.
Rated 07 Aug 2009
ronthedogronthedog
Rated 21 Oct 2009
81
54th
With more than a nod to Bergman (esp. through a glass darkly) Tarkovsky constructs a quasi-parable with the usual mixture of placid, pastoral scenes and entirely exogenous apocalyptic scenarios. Moves very very slowly.
Rated 21 Oct 2009
theyshoot10theyshoot10
Rated 14 Jan 2010
79
58th
412
Rated 14 Jan 2010
carsonwidCarsonWid
Rated 09 Jun 2010
81
89th
My only complaint, as with all Tarkovsky films, is the lengthy shots.
Rated 09 Jun 2010
actionbergActionberg
Rated 18 Mar 2011
95
97th
Having watched it only once, I doubt I can glean a great deal of insight from such a dense and powerful work of art, but I am certain that it, like all of Tarkovsky's films, is tapped into some kind of transcendent, paradoxical universe where cryptic imagery and concepts are the only things that make sense.
Rated 18 Mar 2011
nunstranglernunstrangler
Rated 23 Mar 2011
71
60th
Tarkovsky's enigmatic final film, released after his death. Stunning cinematography by Sven Nykvist. Acclaimed, but sometimes slow going; not everyone will appreciate Tarkovsky's visionary spiritualism.
Rated 23 Mar 2011
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 29 Mar 2011
78
54th
Beautiful film, though it's at once very blunt and very coy about the messages it's exploring. I liked it, particularly the cinematography and Josephson's performance, but by the second half I was quickly losing interest.
Rated 29 Mar 2011
daisoujouDaisoujou
Rated 24 Jun 2018
100
97th
I don't believe "lesser" Tarkovsky exists, just films of his that resonate more or less with individuals.
Rated 24 Jun 2018
svengaliSvengali
Rated 04 Nov 2011
82
90th
What I do not like very much is the dubbing of Susan Fleetwood and sometimes the theatricality of some of the staging - it's not as organic which I like as some of his earlier work. Allan Edwall is as always a sheer delight.
Rated 04 Nov 2011
theyshoot11theyshoot11
Rated 30 Nov 2011
83
66th
#346
Rated 30 Nov 2011
three-questions_ii???
Rated 04 Jan 2012
27
17th
It's my first Tarkovsky so i don't know. It's either he became senile enough to convince himself that a tree is not a tediously banal imagery, or he's just a decent, but average, Bergman wannabe.
Rated 04 Jan 2012
dtortumdtortum
Rated 11 Mar 2012
85
47th
Ilk bir saati tam bir Bergman filmi havasinda. Filmin ortalari harika bir dunyanin sonu atmosferi yaratiyor. Sonunda ise film Bunuel absurdlugune donuyor. Cok begendigimi soyleyemeyecegim ama ana karakterin kameraya bakarak tanriya dua edip olum korkusundan muaf olmayi dilemesi, Tarkovski'nin kameraya bakmasiydi ve cok etkileyiciydi.
Rated 11 Mar 2012
bolivarbolivar
Rated 27 Apr 2012
90
98th
one of the visually most stunning movies I have ever watched. tarkovsky will forever be the number one master at cinematography; every scene is completed with such great attention to detail and with a beauty of endless qualities. while the plot is interesting and unique, I cant say I find it to be as enchanting as the cinematography, and even more so the dialogue (or should I say the monologue?).
Rated 27 Apr 2012
sharpSharp
Rated 03 Jul 2012
90
63rd
I have only seen this once, and admit I may not understand it fully. But what I saw was a swan song of a brilliant filmmaker (I also think I've heard he was aping Bergman, who he liked) and thats why I'm rating it in this way. RIP Andrei Tarkovsky.
Rated 03 Jul 2012
neonmanNeonman
Rated 08 Aug 2013
98
99th
Tarkovsky's final film is his most delicately and masterfully composed. Watching this film is like being in an emotional washing-machine, I come out of it overwhelmed and unsure of how to continue with my life. The ideals presented may be done bluntly, but they are revealing of a frustrated artist trying desperately to find peace. Along with how overbearingly damn good this is, this is also one of the finest-looking films that has ever graced my eyes.
Rated 08 Aug 2013
bhpnelsonbhpnelson
Rated 06 Nov 2013
90
82nd
A bit too explicitly Christian and less ambiguous mystically than his others--I can't like it quite as much, but Tarkovsky is clearly a master of the art. Indelible imagery again also thanks to Nykvist; much of it exists in a blasted, muted tundra that pounds its texture into your brain over the long (even by Tarkovsky standards) shots.
Rated 06 Nov 2013
nothingsnothings
Rated 21 Feb 2014
79
78th
sometimes i hit a brickwall with tarkovsky, i dont understand it, i dont feel it. this is one of those movies for me. but at least i love the imagery.
Rated 21 Feb 2014
karamazovkaramazov.
Rated 13 Jun 2014
31
39th
Stupid morality tale impeccably photographed.
Rated 13 Jun 2014
salomaordsalomaord
Rated 02 Jan 2015
50
0th
Andrei Tarkovsky #3
Rated 02 Jan 2015
nhanlaNhanLa
Rated 23 May 2016
0
1st
What the **** PSI? lol
Rated 23 May 2016
igormacheteigormachete
Rated 09 Jun 2016
62
25th
As usual with Tarkovsky, I understood next to nothing. His other films, though, are so dreamy and surreal that it's forgivable. This one, unfortunately, gives nothing in return, except for visuals, and just plain boring. Still, a somewhat decent movie if you manage to stay awake and get something from it besides the occasional beautiful imagery.
Rated 09 Jun 2016

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