Cast
View All
Koji Yakusho
as Genzo
Andrei Boltnev
as Arseniy
Nikita Mikhalkov
as Регинёв
Anatoliy Romashin
as Kulagin
Marina Zudina
as Анна
Maksim Munzuk
as Niyako
Alexandr Tolubaev
as
Aleksandr Filippenko
as
Mikhail Golubovich
as Ukhatiy
Olegar Fedoro
as convict
Tetsuro Tamba
as Tsuneiro Kamisaka
Elena Yakovleva
as
Guts Ishimatsu
as military police officer
Akiko Kazami
as Genzo's mother
Junkichi Orimoto
as landowner
Crew
Director
- Petras Abukiavicus
- Toshio Goto
- Sergey Vronsky
Writer
- Petras Abukiavicus
- Atsushi Yamatoya
- Toshio Goto
- Sergey Vronsky
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Aurora Borealis examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Petras Abukiavicus brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1990, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Aurora Borealis took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 127 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 161 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 1977 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 50 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1990, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Aurora Borealis shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Twelve Chairs, which focuses more on action than character development, Aurora Borealis subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Potato Dreams of America and Santuaryo explore similar territory, Aurora Borealis stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 3, 1990
- Runtime: 2h 7m
