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Poster for The Color of Pomegranates

The Color of Pomegranates

Seen it?

1969 | 80 min | Drama, History

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.

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

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for history buffs. If you loved The Last Emperor or Loving Vincent, 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 1 hr 20 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in another language, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1969: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

The life of the revered 18th-century Armenian poet and musician Sayat-Nova. Portraying events in the life of the artist from childhood up to his death, the movie addresses in particular his relationships with women, including his muse. The production tells Sayat-Nova's dramatic story by using both his poems and largely still camerawork, creating a work hailed as revolutionary by Mikhail Vartanov.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    94% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.4 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 181K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Sergei Parajanov

  • Sofiko ChiaureliThe poet as a young man / The poet's love / The nun in white lace / The angel of resurrection / The mime
  • Melkon AlekyanThe poet as a child
  • Vilen GalstyanThe poet in the monastery
  • Gogi GegechkoriThe poet as an old man
  • Hovhannes MinasyanThe prince
  • Spartak BagashviliThe poet's father
  • Medea JaparidzeThe poet's mother
  • Onik Minasyan
  • Yuri Amiryan
  • I. Babayan