To this viewer, it definitely was. Mirror is a divisive film and one that not everybody is going to like or fully understand on first viewing, but it does come over as one of those films that should be seen more than once. Regarding myself, it was instant love on first viewing. Mirror looks amazing, which is not surprising as Tarkovsky's films are some of the most visually beautiful I've seen, the cinematography was so dream-like that it's enough to leave one in a trance of wonder. The scenery is striking as well and the whole film is atmospherically lit. Mirror also has a good amount of symbolism(which were relatively straightforward), but once again they were ones that bewitched rather than bewildered, the burning barn and the final scene were very telling scenes. Describing Tarkovsky's direction here, superb is not strong enough a word, Tarkovsky was a remarkably consistent director and a master of visuals and mood. While it may perplex some, I had little if any problem following the story, sure it's unconventional and not as linear as say Ivan's Childhood but it wasn't that hard to work out what it was about. As said before, Mirror is a personal film, very reflective and poetic and this all comes across in a way that's both poignant and uplifting. Pacing also wasn't a problem personally, Tarkovsky's films are known for their deliberate pacing that can be a turn off point but Mirror caught my attention throughout, almost in a trance actually watching it. Mirror's thoughtfully written, hauntingly scored(Bach has never been more effectively used on film) and beautifully acted, especially by Margarita Terekhova whose understated and moving performance is one of the best of any Tarkovsky film. In conclusion, Tarkovsky's most personal film is also another masterwork, visual poetry on film couldn't be a more perfect description. 10/10 Bethany Cox
Review of Mirror
