The Bottom Line
Though confusing in parts and a little lengthy, "Ararat" does an amazing job of shedding light on a historical event that's not widely discussed.
Pros
- Moving story of true historical events
- Loaded with bonus features
- Beautifully shot and well-acted
Cons
- The film's a little confusing to follow
Description
- Optional commentary by director Atom Egoyan;
- "Making of 'Ararat'" and "Arsinee Khanjian on 'Ararat'" featurettes;
- "Portrait of Arshile" short film;
- Video footage shot by 'Raffi';
- Historical information
Guide Review - "Ararat" Movie - DVD Review
"Ararat" is writer/director Atom Egoyan's breathtaking story of a family's journey to learn about their ancestors and, in turn, discover more about themselves. Through the use of a film within a film, Egoyan captures the story of the Armenian massacre - often in graphic, heartbreaking detail.
As the family and a few interconnected strangers tell the horrific story of past events, each person gains an insight into their own identity. Central to the film is the search for clues as to why the events occurred and what it meant to their ancestors and their culture. "Ararat" also deals with the continued denial of the Armenian genocide as the film's characters decide for themselves whether or not the killings took place.
