"Following his monumental trilogy on German history, Hans Jògen Syberberg turned directly to the figure whose shadow haunts all of his work as a filmmaker and cultural polemicist, Richard Wagner. Wagner has served Syberberg, and Parsifal emerges as one of the most remarkable experiences in modern cinema. Using a new recording of Wagner's sublime musical last will and testament as a soundtrack, Syberberg sets new standards in play-back and lip-synch in his direction....Using only a modest measure of front projection, props and puppetry to provide visual contrast and cultural commentary, Syberberg concentrates prodigiously on performances and mise-en-sc?ne."-Telluride Film Festival "Parsifal should enthrall both film lovers and Wagner fans....Mr. Syberberg's command of the film medium is so sure that subtleties emerge that could never be perceived in an opera house."-New York Times