Sermon to the Fish

"Sermon to the Fish" (2022) by Hilal Baydarov is a visually mesmerizing yet highly abstract film that explores war, isolation, and existential despair. It follows a soldier who returns to his village after war, only to find it eerily empty, creating a haunting atmosphere of loss and disconnection. The cinematography is breathtaking, with long, painterly shots that evoke a deep sense of melancholy. However, the film's narrative is minimal, prioritizing symbolism and mood over traditional storytelling, making it a challenging watch for those expecting a conventional plot.

Baydarov's slow, meditative style, reminiscent of Tarkovsky, demands patience. The sparse dialogue, extended silences, and philosophical undertones give the film an almost hypnotic quality. Performances are subdued, reinforcing the feeling that the characters are more symbolic than real. Sound design plays a crucial role, with natural sounds and eerie silence amplifying the film's otherworldly feel.

While the film excels in artistic depth, its extremely slow pacing and lack of a structured storyline may alienate some viewers. It's not a film that seeks to entertain but rather to provoke thought and introspection. The heavy use of allegory, particularly in its commentary on war's futility and the emptiness of human existence, gives it depth, but some symbolism may feel inaccessible.

"Sermon to the Fish" is a cinematic masterpiece that transcends traditional storytelling, offering a profound and poetic exploration of humanity's connection with nature and the self. The film's breathtaking visuals, paired with its meditative pacing, create an immersive experience that lingers long after the credits roll. The director's visionary approach, combined with stellar performances and a hauntingly beautiful score, elevates this work to the realm of art. Each frame feels meticulously crafted, inviting viewers to reflect on themes of existence, spirituality, and the delicate balance of life. "Sermon to the Fish" is not just a film-it's a transformative journey that challenges, inspires, and captivates. A true gem of modern cinema! 🌊🎬✨

A Masterpiece That Transcends Time: The Shawshank Redemption

There are some films in the world of cinema that not only affect their audience, but also touch their lives and leave permanent marks on their souls. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) is exactly such a masterpiece. Directed by Frank Darabont and adapted from Stephen King's short story Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, this film still remains at the top of the cinema world despite the passing of years. The Shawshank Redemption, which has been the highest-rated film on IMDb for many years, is not just a prison film; it is a deep story about friendship, hope and the unbreakable power of the human spirit.

Flawless Screenplay and Depth of Character

The film begins with Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) entering Shawshank Prison after being wrongly accused of killing his wife and her lover. Andy is a quiet, intelligent and introverted person. Over time, he develops a close friendship with the other inmates in the prison, especially Red (Morgan Freeman). Red has been in Shawshank for many years and is one of the inmates who knows life inside the prison best. The bond between the two is one of the strongest aspects of the film. The contrast between Red's perception of life and Andy's hopeful perspective makes the viewer think deeply.

One of the most impressive aspects of the film is Andy's step-by-step establishment of a place for himself in the prison, his great contribution to the inmates and guards thanks to his intelligence. His character is made even stronger by the fact that he establishes a library in the prison, provides financial advice to the guards and does small favors for the inmates. However, the most striking point of the film is Andy's escape from Shawshank and the fact that this escape has been prepared with great patience and skill over the years.

Hilal Baydarov's Sermon to the Fish (2022) is a visually striking yet deeply abstract film that delves into themes of war, isolation, and existential despair. The story centers on a soldier who returns to his village after the war, only to find it unsettlingly deserted, fostering an atmosphere of loss and detachment. The cinematography is stunning, featuring long, painterly shots that evoke a profound sense of sorrow. However, the film's narrative is sparse, focusing more on symbolism and mood than on a traditional plot, which may make it a challenging experience for viewers seeking a conventional storyline.

"Sermon to the Fish" (2022) by Hilal Baydarov is a visually mesmerizing yet highly abstract film that explores war, isolation, and existential despair. It follows a soldier who returns to his village after war, only to find it eerily empty, creating a haunting atmosphere of loss and disconnection. The cinematography is breathtaking, with long, painterly shots that evoke a deep sense of melancholy. However, the film's narrative is minimal, prioritizing symbolism and mood over traditional storytelling, making it a challenging watch for those expecting a conventional plot.

Baydarov's slow, meditative style, reminiscent of Tarkovsky, demands patience. The sparse dialogue, extended silences, and philosophical undertones give the film an almost hypnotic quality. Performances are subdued, reinforcing the feeling that the characters are more symbolic than real. Sound design plays a crucial role, with natural sounds and eerie silence amplifying the film's otherworldly feel.

While the film excels in artistic depth, its extremely slow pacing and lack of a structured storyline may alienate some viewers. It's not a film that seeks to entertain but rather to provoke thought and introspection. The heavy use of allegory, particularly in its commentary on war's futility and the emptiness of human existence, gives it depth, but some symbolism may feel inaccessible.

Overall, Sermon to the Fish is a beautifully crafted but deeply unconventional film. It's ideal for those who appreciate experimental cinema and slow, poetic storytelling, but casual viewers may find it frustrating. A hypnotic, thought-provoking experience, though not one that invites easy interpretation.