PostED on 16.10.2024

In Lithuania of the 1960's, ten-year-old Andrius takes in Yana, a Czech girl his age.  

© DR

Together, left alone, they live a life of play, joy, friendship and dreams. Andrius by Algirdas Araminas is a sweet, fabulously gracious comedy about early childhood. The director, who has devoted his work to filming the theme, makes many fine choices. First of all, there are the two children who evolve with a natural goodness, far removed from any overacting. Then there is the benevolence of life, as wonderful indoors as it is outdoors. Finally, there is the dimension of fantasy, day-dreaming, where the two young characters can take refuge whenever they wish. This imaginary dimension is wonderfully poetic, such as the idea, in the midst of numerous clocks, of asking his master to buy some time, extra time, so that Yana can stay longer with her new friend. A modern tale, Andrius is a marvel of inventiveness, made all the more poignant by the fact that this radiant story takes place in a country that was under the yoke of the totalitarian Soviet regime at the time.

Virginie Apiou

Screenings

Andrius  by Algirdas Araminas (1980, 1h03)

Institut Lumière (Villa) Wed 16 7:45pm | Institut Lumière (Villa) Wed 16 8pm | Pathé Bellecour Fri 18 2:15pm