Two people in a row boat in the middle of the ocean, with the older adult standing and holding a paddle, and the young child sitting in the boat.

First Films The Return

  • Cinema
  • Playhouse
  • Run time: 106 minutes Subject to change
  • Seating map

Russia | 2003 | Russian with English subtitles | Drama | M

Australian Premiere of a new 4K restoration approved by director Andrey Zvyagintsev. 

The debut feature from Andrey Zvyagintsev (Minotaur, winner of this year’s Sydney Film Prize at Sydney Film Festival) stunned audiences around the world on its release, winning the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and established Zvyagintsev as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary cinema.

The lives of two brothers are turned upside down by the unexpected return of their father, a man they remember only from a ten year old photograph. He takes them on a fishing trip to a remote island, attempting to teach his sons how to become men. As the journey unfolds, the tension steadily builds towards an unforgettable ending.

With echoes of another master, Andrei Tarkovsky, Zvyagintsev delivers striking cinematography and powerful performances in a debut that announced a major new filmmaking voice.

Presented by Sydney Opera House and First Films Co-presented with Sydney Film Festival

Event details

It looks and feels like a classic...Zvyagintsev has burst on to the world cinema scene as a vivid new talent.

Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian

The Return announces the arrival of a major new talent.

Dave Kehr, The New York Times

Cast and credits

Director
Andrey Zvyagintsev
Cinematography
Mikhail Krichman
Andrey (brother)
Vladimir Garin
Otets (father)
Konstantin Lavronenko
Mat (mother)
Nataliya Vdovina
Ivan (brother)
Ivan Dobronravov
Khuligan
Lazar Dubovik
Devushka v zerkalakh
Lyubov Kazakova

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Attending this event

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Plan your visit

Address

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Getting to the venue

The Opera House is a 7-10 minute walk from Circular Quay, and is easily accessible by car, train, ferry, lightrail, bus, bike and on foot.

Location and access

Playhouse

The Playhouse is located in the north-western corner of Sydney Opera House, best accessed through the Western Foyers.

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