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Poster for The Sacrifice

The Sacrifice

Seen it?

1986 | 149 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (86% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Empire of the Sun or The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 29 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG: peril. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
  • It's in Swedish, so expect subtitles (or a dub).

Alexander, a journalist, philosopher and retired actor, celebrates a birthday with friends and family when it is announced that nuclear war has begun.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    86% on Rotten Tomatoes, 85 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.7 out of 10

  • AwardsBelow par

    Won 1 Cannes award: Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix. Plus 2 other awards.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $1 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 127K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky

  • Erland JosephsonAlexander
  • Susan FleetwoodAdelaide
  • Allan EdwallOtto
  • Guðrún GísladóttirMaria
  • Sven WollterVictor
  • Valérie MairesseJulia
  • Filippa FranzénMarta
  • Tommy KjellqvistLittle Man
  • Per KällmanAmbulance Driver
  • Tommy NordahlAmbulance Driver