“A grand, unworldly, even anti worldly religious vision that depends on its perfect pitch to avoid absurdity and bathos.” - Richard Brody, New Yorker
“As THE SACRIFICE comes full circle, returning to that spindly tree by the sea and its nurturing, the film itself emerges as a symbolic gesture of great emotional impact.” - Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
Opens February 7 | A family is celebrating the birthday of their patriarch Alexander when news reaches them that the world is headed for nuclear war. Alexander pronounces to God that he will make the ultimate sacrifice and give up everything in his life, including his beloved son, the mute “Little Man,” to avert the apocalypse. Tarkovsky’s final film, shot while he was dying of cancer and released just months before his passing, is a haunting and prescient exploration of humanity—and a father—on the brink of annihilation. A grand and spectacular vision of family and faith, THE SACRIFICE is a profound moviegoing experience, now available in a stunning 4K restoration from Kino Lorber.
Awards & Nominations
Winner - Grand Prize of the Jury, Cannes Film Festival
Winner - Prize of the Ecumenical Jury, Cannes Film Festival
Nominee - Palme d'Or, Cannes Film Festival
Winner - Best Foreign Language Film, BAFTA Awards
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu