Ashik-Kerib

Plot Summary

A romantic drama based on the poem of the same name by the great Russian poet Mikhail Lermontov.“Ashik-Kerib” is one of Sergei Paradzhanov’s most brilliant motion pictures. The director succeeded in achieving the effect of polyphony of color and sound. The screen looks like a real Oriental bazaar where you can come across anything you like, from antiques to cheap home-made kitsch. Ashik-Kerib was a poor man, but he possessed a heart of gold and a beautiful voice.He played the saaza, a Turkish balalaika, glorifying the ancient heroes of Turkestan at weddings and other festivities. Once he met the beautiful Magul-Megheri, the daughter of a Turkish wealthy man, and fell in love with her. But would a rich man give his daughter to a poor man? Ashik-Kerib made a vow to go for a seven-year wandering around the world, and either become rich or die. If he is not back by the appointed date, Magul-Megheri will get married to another man…