"Paradjanov was thefirst to indicate the degree to which folklore and local artistictradition could once again become a source of visual wealth in Sovietnational cinema.... Set in the beautiful but fierce Carpathianmountains...in an environment of overwhelming Christian-pagan rituals,demonology and constant struggle with the overpowering elements, wherelife is but 'a lightning in the sky, a cherry blossom...,' a story oflove unfolds. Sensitive, perhaps over-sensitive for his environment,Ivanko is in search of happiness. Nature kills his brother and takes hisloved one; man kills his father and sends Ivanko himself to the worldbeyond, perhaps to realize his wish to be with his beloved forever.Paradjanov succeeded in creating a highly poetic film in the traditionof Dovzhenko. Adopting the great master's use of symbolism and metaphor,and his lyric photography, the director adds a dynamically active camerasuited to the requirements of his energetic and temperamental character.Cinematographer Ilyenko's talents are congenial-proved later by anoriginal film which he directed, The White Bird With a Black Spot(1972)." Yvette Biro