Andrei Rublev [Subtitled]

Andrei Rublev is a sublime journey into the past, diving deep into the life and times of 15th century Russia, as seen through the eyes of the titular character, an iconic and historical figure of Russian history: the famous painter Andrei Rublev. Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, one of the most celebrated filmmakers in the world, this 1966 masterpiece of cinema was gloriously shot in black and white and features Russian actors including Anatoliy Solonitsyn, Ivan Lapikov, and Nikolay Grinko.

Andrei Rublev takes viewers back to a tumultuous era filled with violence, brutality, spiritual fervor, and artistic sublimity. It delves into the complex intersections of faith, art, history, power and the human condition. The screenplay, co-written by Tarkovsky and Andrei Konchalovsky, is a meditative, spiritual biopic that mirrors not only the societal portrayals of its contemporary times but also the internal battles faced by the protagonist.

The film is spread across eight chapters, each carrying the name and theme of a significant event in the protagonist’s life. Each chapter is akin to a standalone story, yet they're interwoven, forming a tapestry that presents the raw, unfettered life of Andrei Rublev. The chapters explore different periods of Rublev’s life, from his early days to his journey into monastic life, his relationship with his mentor Theophanes the Greek, his experience of the Tatar invasions, and his struggles with the creation of the famous Trinity icon. The narrative beautifully underscores the importance of spiritual and creative freedom and the corresponding adversities that come with it.

Anatoliy Solonitsyn, who plays Andrei Rublev, offers a magnificent performance marked by subtlety and depth. His nuanced delivery navigates the complexities of Rublev's character - a man tormented by the harsh realities of life and the Church's censorship, struggling to reconcile his faith and artistic calling. Ivan Lapikov and Nikolay Grinko, playing the roles of Kiril and Daniil, provide remarkable support, intricately portraying their characters' inner conflicts under the same societal pressure and political turmoil.

Tarkovsky's direction is spectacular. Each frame captures a spectrum of human emotions and historical events, serving almost as a canvas on its own, resonating with the dreams, despair, and passions of the protagonist. The director's use of long shots and silence portrays the stark realities in unique and profound ways, rendering the era's atmosphere in the most authentic sense.

The cinematography by Vadim Yusov is equally remarkable and contributes to the film's charm. Yusov's camera works like an artist's brush, creating perfect visuals that narrate a story – be it stark war-torn landscapes, candle-lit interiors of an orthodox church, the serene Russian countryside or the intricate details of the artist's work. The choice to shoot in black and white lends a timeless quality and atmospheric depth to the film.

The film's historical backdrop merges with a fitting soundtrack, which incorporates traditional Russian liturgical and folk music, setting the tone perfectly for the narrative. The superb sound design complements the visuals, further immersing the audience into the vast expanse of 15th century Russia.

Well beyond being just a biopic, Andrei Rublev is a cinematic exploration of faith, art, history and the human spirit in conflict with political repression and societal turmoil. It asks profound questions about the role of the artist in society, the essence of icon painting, and the struggle to maintain one's spirituality and creativity under duress.

Though Andrei Rublev may require patience due to its run time and lack of ordinary plot structure, its thought-provoking nature and compelling cinematography reward those who engage with its narrative and underlying themes. Throughout its three hours, it continually challenges, provokes and enlightens viewers.

Briefly banned in the Soviet Union for its bold and honest depiction of Russian history and Church politics, Andrei Rublev emerged as one of the finest films in world cinema, a testament of Tarkovsky's filmmaking genius, and a timeless portrait of an artist's life. This movie encapsulates the Russian soul and the universal dilemmas of art and spirituality, making it a must-watch for history buffs, art enthusiasts, and philosophical thinkers.