User reviews

A famous Russian conductor, Vyacheslav Petrov, is about to travel to Jerusalem to conduct St. Matthew's Passion. Before leaving, he receives a fax that upsets him much. The fax contains some disturbing news about his son, whom he has not seen for years and has been living in Israel.

To me, this film is about asking questions such as: Which ties exist between human beings, and what divides them? Why are we linked to others? Why are those links sometimes broken? What are the obligations, if any, between family members once everyone is grown up? How do we build our personalities? Do we have a choice at all? How far can we go, and how far are we expected to go? Do we have to live up to other people's expectations? Are humans really different from each other, or are they controlled by the image they have built of themselves? Can we love those whom we do not understand? Can anyone love without being corresponded, or is it something else? Can greatness be achieved without hard work? Is there a price to pay?

Well-paced film, beautiful music, splendid acting.

I saw this film, by chance. I got trapped by the story at several levels, and the subtle religious references, beside the incredible music.