The Sacrifice 1986
"The final film of Andrei Tarkovsky"
Andrei Tarkovsky's haunting final masterpiece, *The Sacrifice (1986)*, unfolds in a single, breathless day as Alexander, a philosopher, journalist, and retired actor, gathers his closest friends and family to celebrate his birthday.
Director: Andrei Tarkovsky
Cast
Erland Josephson
Alexander
Susan Fleetwood
Adelaide
Allan Edwall
Otto
Guðrún Gísladóttir
Maria
Sven Wollter
Victor
Valérie Mairesse
Julia
Filippa Franzén
Marta
Tommy Kjellqvist
Little Man
Per Källman
Ambulance Driver
Tommy Nordahl
Ambulance Driver
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Sacrifice (1986) about?
The film follows Alexander, a retired actor and philosopher, whose birthday celebration is shattered by news of an imminent nuclear war. As the world edges toward destruction, he grapples with the meaning of sacrifice, faith, and whether one man's actions can alter fate.
Who directed The Sacrifice?
Andrei Tarkovsky, the visionary Russian filmmaker renowned for his contemplative and visually poetic cinema, directed *The Sacrifice*.
Who stars in The Sacrifice?
The film features Erland Josephson in the lead role, supported by Susan Fleetwood, Allan Edwall, Guðrún Gísladóttir, Sven Wollter, and Valérie Mairesse.
Is The Sacrifice (1986) worth watching?
While its slow pace and philosophical themes may not appeal to everyone, *The Sacrifice* is a profound and visually stunning swan song for Tarkovsky. Fans of meditative cinema will find its exploration of human resilience and existential dread deeply rewarding.
How long is The Sacrifice?
The Sacrifice runs for 149 minutes, or approximately 2 hours and 29 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Sacrifice (1986) — Andrei Tarkovsky's Final Masterpiece Explored
Andrei Tarkovsky's haunting final masterpiece, *The Sacrifice (1986)*, unfolds in a single, breathless day as Alexander, a philosopher, journalist, and retired actor, gathers his closest friends and family to celebrate his birthday. The festive atmosphere quickly curdles into existential dread when news breaks of an impending nuclear apocalypse, forcing Alexander to confront the fragility of human existence and the moral weight of sacrifice. Shot in Tarkovsky's signature meditative style, the film blends stark realism with dreamlike visuals, exploring themes of faith, redemption, and the delicate balance between hope and despair.
With a runtime stretching nearly two and a half hours, *The Sacrifice (1986)* is a slow-burning yet deeply affecting drama that lingers long after the credits roll. Erland Josephson delivers a powerhouse performance as Alexander, embodying the character's turmoil with quiet intensity, while Susan Fleetwood and Allan Edwall contribute compelling support. The film's atmospheric tension and philosophical depth make it a standout in Tarkovsky's filmography, cementing its place as a profound meditation on humanity's struggle against the darkest of fates.
