Andrei Rublev’s an excellently crafted movie, but it didn’t give me the static shock so many others seem to get from it. I dunno why. It’s very long, but so was Stalker, and I love that film. I also like Christian films with actual intelligence behind them. Yet I could only give it 8/10.
I can certainly understand that but also don’t give up on only one viewing if that’s all you’ve seen of it. If I’ve learned anything in watching his films is that the more you watch them, the deeper meanings you’ll find and new ideas and layers emerge. The biggest example I’ve found of this is Zerkalo. It’s personally his best work to me. Stalker was my first and I love it too. It’s truly an incredible film. I especially love Stalker’s Prayer about when we are born that we are soft but as we grow old we become hard. Truly one of my all time cinematic moments. I think while Andrei Rublev is certainly a Christian film in a lot of ways, I’d say try looking at it as an artist trying to keep their integrity during a difficult time. I think greater meaning will open up. The only film from his that I’ve struggled with so far is Solaris. I still need to watch it, Ivan’s Childhood, Nostalghia, and The Sacrifice. I owe a lot to Andrei and feel his presence often.