Blood-red pomegranates dripping on a white cloth, we hear a poignant monologue: “Life and soul are tortures to me.” Elaborate yet stationary images of suppressive religion and theatrical beauty of structure reveal cinematic aesthetics that is hard to fathom. The original plan for a film about the Armenian poet Sayat Nova was banned by Soviet government and the film was later released with its new title. Recognized as Parajanov’s best, it also started his uncomfortable relationship with government. Sofiko Chiaureli remarkably performed several roles both male and female including the young poet and his muse. A beautiful world of artist’s self-mortification and estheticism. (CHO Young-jung)