The Color of Pomegranates (1969) – Review

Quick Breakdown

Rating

  • Visuals: Artistic, but nothing too exceptional – 3/5
  • Mental Depth: It’ll make you think a bit, but not too hard – 3/5
  • Story: There’s not much of one – 2/5
  • Weirdness: Definitely strange – 4/5
  • Culture: It is culturally rich and on the list – 4/5
  • Final Vibe: Great for visuals and atmosphere – 3.5/5

Excerpt

The Color of Pomegranates (1969) is visually striking and challenging—closer to an art exhibit than a traditional narrative.

Film Information

Director:
Sergei Parajanov
Country of Origin:
Soviet Union (Armenia)
Language:
Armenian
Length:
79-90 minutes

First Impressions

I went in with hesitation and ended up watching something that felt like visual poetry. It was abstract, symbolic, and often more about feeling than direct meaning.

Visual Language Over Plot

This is not a narrative-driven film in the usual sense. Scenes feel like tableaus. The symbolism—water, ritual, life stages—doesn’t always explain itself, but it creates a distinct emotional rhythm.

Cultural Weight

A lot of impact depends on context around Sayat Nova and Armenian history. Without that context, it can be hard to parse, but still visually absorbing.

Final Thoughts

It’s not an easy watch, but it is memorable. If you want straightforward storytelling, this won’t be for you. If you want artistic cinema, it offers a lot.