The Thirteenth Apostle 1988
Set against the vast expanse of Soviet Armenia's golden landscapes and futuristic sci-fi cityscapes, *The Thirteenth Apostle (1988)* delivers a hauntingly poetic adaptation of Ray Bradbury's *The Martian Chronicles*.
Director: Suren Babayan
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Thirteenth Apostle (1988) about?
The film follows a group of Soviet space explorers who journey to Mars, only to find the planet deserted yet haunted by remnants of human presence. As they navigate the ruins of a civilization left behind, they confront themes of isolation, legacy, and the loneliness of progress.
Who directed The Thirteenth Apostle?
The Thirteenth Apostle was directed by Suren Babayan, a filmmaker known for blending Soviet-era aesthetics with genre storytelling.
Who stars in The Thirteenth Apostle?
The cast includes Juozas Budraitis, Armen Dzhigarkhanyan, Donatas Banionis, Vladas Bagdonas, and Algis Matulionis, each bringing depth to their roles as explorers and scientists.
Is The Thirteenth Apostle (1988) worth watching?
As a Soviet science fiction gem that predates many modern Martian tales, *The Thirteenth Apostle* offers a visually rich and thematically resonant experience. While its pacing may feel deliberate by today's standards, its atmospheric storytelling and Bradbury-inspired narrative make it a hidden treasure for fans of thoughtful sci-fi.
How long is The Thirteenth Apostle?
The Thirteenth Apostle has a runtime of 105 minutes.
About The Thirteenth Apostle (1988) — Soviet Sci-Fi Classic Adapting Ray Bradbury's Martian Chronicles
Set against the vast expanse of Soviet Armenia's golden landscapes and futuristic sci-fi cityscapes, *The Thirteenth Apostle (1988)* delivers a hauntingly poetic adaptation of Ray Bradbury's *The Martian Chronicles*. Directed by the visionary Suren Babayan, this atmospheric science fiction journey blends Cold War sensibilities with Bradbury's timeless themes of colonization, human fragility, and the unintended consequences of progress. The film's visual palette—rich in warm oranges and icy blues—mirrors its emotional core, oscillating between wonder and existential dread as humanity ventures beyond Earth.
The story unfolds with a melancholic tone, following explorers who arrive on Mars only to discover an eerily abandoned world where memories linger like ghosts. Juozas Budraitis stars as the moral compass amid the crew, while Armen Dzhigarkhanyan and Donatas Banionis bring gravitas to their roles as scientists grappling with the ethical weight of discovery. Babayan's direction infuses Bradbury's themes with Soviet-era introspection, creating a visually striking and thematically layered experience that lingers long after the credits roll.