| Father Sergius | |
| Director: | Igor Talankin |
| Music: | Alfred Schnittke |
| Cinematography: | Georgy Rerberg Anatoly Nikolayev |
| Studio: | Mosfilm |
| Runtime: | 115 minutes |
| Country: | Soviet Union |
| Language: | Russian |
Father Sergius (Russian: Отец Сергий|Otets Sergiy) is a 1978 Soviet drama film directed by Igor Talankin based on the posthumously published 1911 short story of the same name by Leo Tolstoy.[1] [2]
Prince Stepan Kasatsky, an officer, ardent, proud young man is a big admirer of the king. Kasatsky is about to get married, but at the last moment learns from the bride that she was the mistress of the emperor. The prince is deeply disappointed in secular life, he takes a monastic vow and leaves the capital. Faith in God was supposed to save his soul, but passions and worldly temptations do not leave Kasatsky.
Father Sergius (Kasatsky's new name) leads the hermit's way of life, strictly adhering to order and pacifying the flesh. Deciding that this is not enough - he decides to leave the monastery. He becomes a recluse and starts to live in a cave. Rumors about a former handsome officer who took tonsure, reach a group of people who are resting nearby the monk's cave. A beautiful depraved woman tries to seduce him, and Father Sergius has to cut off his finger to avoid succumbing to her charms. More time passes, and he still does not manage to avoid sin. The feeble-minded daughter of a local merchant, who was led to the hermit for prayer therapy, seduces the monk.
Father Sergius leaves the monastic cell, takes a knapsack and goes off to wander and beg.