Ashik Kerib (1988) review

A poor minstrel is forbidden from marrying a rich man's daughter, so he wanders for over three years to prove his devotion - while absent, his mother thinks he's dead and becomes hysterically blind. The story is simple but the visuals are anything but - Paradjanov was always exceptional at developing the theatrical aspects of his films, like the costumes and colors, and the film appeals more to the senses than intellect (the acting is so-so, but hardly the point). As with other Paradjanovs, focus is paid to the concept of ritual - I'm not sure what it all means, but that doesn't mean it isn't visually luscious.