Ulys

A film director, A., arrives in Sarajevo during its siege, seeking lost reels of film that he believes contain the lost gaze of Ulysses. His quest is intertwined with the complex history of the Balkans and the enduring power of cinema. As he navigates the war-torn city, he encounters various individuals whose stories reflect the region's turbulent past and uncertain future. The film becomes a meditation on memory, history, and the role of art in times of conflict.

Theodoros Angelopoulos's 'Ulysses' Gaze' is a monumental and deeply philosophical film that was critically acclaimed for its ambitious scope and artistic vision. While its length and deliberate pacing were noted, critics largely praised its profound exploration of history, memory, and the cinema's power to bear witness. It was seen as a significant work within Angelopoulos's oeuvre and a powerful statement on the Balkan conflict.

• Praised for its epic scale and intellectual depth.
• Lauded as a poetic and profound meditation on history and cinema.
• Acknowledged for its challenging but rewarding viewing experience.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's artistic merit and its thoughtful exploration of complex historical themes. Many found it to be a powerful and moving cinematic experience, though some noted its demanding length and contemplative style.

Winner of the FIPRESCI Prize at the Cannes Film Festival (1995).

The film was shot over a period of 18 months, with sequences filmed in actual locations experiencing conflict, including Sarajevo during its siege, which added to its authentic and harrowing atmosphere.