Cast
View AllLaisvūnas Raudonis
as Jurgis
Valerijus Jevsejevas
as Mazvydas
Donatas Šimukauskas
as Driver
Artūras Aleksejevas
as Gendarme
Algirdas Dainavičius
as First Teacher
Bronius Kindurys
as First tavern owner
Valentinas Krulikovskis
as Gendarme
Vytautas Kupšys
as Bishop Valancius
Gearóid Mac Lochlainn
as
Mindaugas Papinigis
as Senior Gendarme
Justinas Piliponis
as Boy at the inn
Albertas Vidžiūnas
as
Crew
Director
- Jonas Trukanas
Producer
- Justinas Piliponis
- Paulius Juočeris
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The Book Smuggler represents a fascinating example of Adventure cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Jonas Trukanas 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2011, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Book Smuggler took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 37 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 61 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2362 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2011, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Book Smuggler 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 Philadelphia Experiment, which focuses more on action than character development, The Book Smuggler offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc and A Fighting Choice explore similar territory, The Book Smuggler 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: March 19, 2011
- Runtime: 37m
