zerkalo

Zerkalo, a transliteration of the Russian word Зеркало, means "mirror." In everyday use it denotes a reflective surface and is also employed metaphorically to signify reflection, truth, or self-examination. The term appears across literature, philosophy, and art as a device to explore memory, identity, and perception.

In film, Zerkalo refers to Andrei Tarkovsky's 1975 work commonly known in English as Mirror. The film is a lyrical, non-linear drama that blends autobiographical elements, childhood memories, and dreamlike imagery. It weaves together past and present to probe themes of memory, time, family, and mortality. Visually, Zerkalo is noted for its contemplative pace, long takes, and a rich use of imagery and atmosphere, including water, fire, and rural landscapes as symbolic motifs. The structure defies straightforward narrative, favoring associative sequences that invite personal interpretation.

Zerkalo is regarded as one of Tarkovsky's most personal and influential films and is often cited as a landmark of world cinema. Its production, release history, and reception have been the subject of extensive scholarly discussion, highlighting its innovative approach to memory and form. Beyond cinema, the word zerkalo remains the standard Russian term for mirror and is used in various cultural contexts to evoke reflection and self-confrontation.