Short Summary: Waiting for the Inevitable Sermon to the Birds is a philosophical and visually arresting drama that centers on a young couple, Davud and Sura, who find themselves in a state of siege in the remote forests of Azerbaijan. With a war taking place, they are guided by dreams and wed in the mountains as they wait for an omnipresent figure known only as “The Hunter.” The film is less about a conventional story and more of a spiritual exploration of what it means to be alive and human when faced with the omnipresent threat of death and war.
Detailed Summary: A Dreamlike Resistance
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The Protagonists: The film focuses on Davud (Orkhan Iskandarli) and Sura (Rana Asgarova), a couple whose lives are confined by an unseen force. They are not fleeing but rather waiting for a figure known as The Hunter, who is portrayed as an inescapable presence.
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The Setting: The story unfolds in the mesmerizing and isolated beauty of the Azerbaijani mountains, which serve as a character in itself. The nature, from the trees to the birds, is interwoven with the characters’ experiences and emotions.
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The Allegory of the Hunter: The “Hunter,” played by Huseyn Nasirov, is an allegorical figure representing a pervasive threat, possibly war, death, or fate itself. The couple’s struggle is not a physical battle but a spiritual and emotional one as they face this inevitable force.
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A Journey of the Mind: The film is characterized by a slow, meditative pace and a non-linear narrative. It relies on stunning visuals and poetic dialogue to explore themes of existence, love, and the human spirit in the face of conflict. Much of the film’s plot is a journey through their thoughts and dreams as they prepare for what is to come.
Director’s Vision: The Nature of Things is Cinema Director Hilal Baydarov states that his films are not inspired by external events but are a journey of self-discovery through cinema itself. For Sermon to the Birds, his vision was to capture the “nature of things,” believing that “what is visceral is celestial, what is personal is universal.” He consciously avoids linear storytelling and uses long, static shots to turn the natural world into a character. He famously stated that “everything is a character in the movie—the birds, the windows, even the cameras and lenses. If possible, I would list the trees in the credits.”
Themes: Existence, War, and Nature’s Role
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The Human Condition in War: The film explores the psychological and emotional impact of war on individuals, even when they are not on the battlefield. The sense of a constant, lurking threat is a central theme.
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The Omnipresence of Death: The “Hunter” is a powerful symbol of death or fate, and the film is a meditation on how individuals cope with the knowledge of their own mortality.
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Nature as a Spiritual Guide: The natural world is a constant presence in the film, offering both a place of refuge and a mirror for the characters’ inner turmoil. It becomes a source of both spiritual connection and a reminder of life’s fragile beauty.
Key success factors: Bold Artistic Vision and Awe-Inspiring Cinematography
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Uncompromising Auteur Cinema: The film’s biggest strength is Baydarov’s distinctive and bold artistic vision. Its non-traditional approach appeals to critics and audiences who are interested in pure cinematic expression.
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Visually Hypnotic: The cinematography, also by Hilal Baydarov, is universally praised. The film’s long, static shots of beautiful landscapes are both meditative and mesmerizing, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
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Poetic and Philosophical Depth: The dialogue and narrative are filled with philosophical and poetic layers, providing a rich experience for those who enjoy a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating film.
Awards and Nominations: Recognition on the Festival Circuit According to the provided information, the film has received 2 nominations total. It premiered at the Tokyo International Film Festival on October 24, 2023, where it was nominated for the Best Film award.
Critics reception: A Lyrical and Haunting Experience
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Tokyo International Film Festival Review: The festival’s description of the film highlighted that it “depicts the scars that war leaves on humans, set in the forests of Azerbaijan, with phenomenally beautiful images.”
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Overall Summary: While not a film for a mainstream audience due to its slow pace and allegorical nature, critics from the festival circuit and arthouse film publications have praised its profound artistic ambition and its mesmerizing visual style. The film is often described as a haunting and lyrical experience.
Why to watch this movie: A Meditative Cinematic Poem
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For Fans of Poetic Cinema: This film is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the work of directors like Andrei Tarkovsky or Terrence Malick, and values visual storytelling over traditional plot.
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A Deeply Philosophical Film: The movie is a contemplative and spiritual journey that will appeal to viewers looking for a film that challenges them to think about the nature of life, death, and human existence.
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A Feast for the Eyes: The film is visually breathtaking, with a unique cinematic style that makes every frame feel like a work of art.
What Movie Trend film is following: The New Wave of Philosophical Cinema Sermon to the Birds fits into the trend of new, independent filmmakers from around the world who are creating deeply personal, philosophical, and visually striking films. These movies prioritize mood, stunning visuals, and allegorical storytelling over conventional plot structures, creating a form of poetic cinema.
What Big Social Trend is following: The Search for a Deeper Meaning in a Chaotic World The film taps into the social trend of individuals seeking a deeper, spiritual meaning and a connection to nature as a response to the chaos and conflict of the modern world. It reflects a cultural curiosity about finding peace and purpose outside of traditional social structures.