Touching tale is a welcome change

The Return is the poignant tale of two teenage Russian brothers Andrey (Vladimir Garin) and Vanya (Ivan Dobronravov), who spend their days swimming in the beautiful lakes that surround their isolated home.

When they return after one such care-free day they find a man in their home who claims to be their father (Konstantin Lavronenko).

They haven’t seen him for 10 years, and his return isn’t welcome at first. But when he offers to take them on a trip so that they can catch up on lost time they agree.

The trio travel through the desolate Russian countryside, stopping every now and again so that the father can conduct some business.

The boys suspect he may be some sort of criminal, increasing their distrust of him. The fact that he slips easily into the heavy-handed father role, beating the boys for any misdemeanour, doesn’t exactly help his chances of a happy reconciliation.

Once they reach their island destination, the father’s motives become more apparent and the boys are left with some life-changing decisions to make.

The Return is a refreshing change from the usual Hollywood production line of shoot ’em up specials. The character analysis is fascinating, the relationship between the two boys is every bit as interesting as their relationship with their father.

The fact that Ivan Dobronravov drowned in the very lakes the film was shot shortly after its conclusion adds even more poignancy to a memorable piece of work.

Drama, 12. 4/5.