GamerTab
That was an excellent one.
SpuffyWeb
Sadly Over-hyped
Dorathen
Better Late Then Never
Andres Salama
An interesting, if flawed, biopic about Alexander Kolchak, Russian admiral during World War I, and after the Russian revolution, leader of the Russian whites during the civil war. I know the Soviet Union ended more than 20 years ago, but I was still surprised to see such a reverent movie about one of the leaders of the Russian whites. For example, the scene where Kolchak takes command of his army with the blessing of the Russian Orthodox Church is told with soaring musing, and without any hint of irony. Story of his romance with the wife of one of his fellow officers adds very little (in fact, probably detracts) from the film. In summary, a generally well made film and with a relatively generous budget, but a bit too reverent and solemn toward its subject.
Armand
A hero. And his religion - Russia. A impressive movie, so great, so expansive, so subtle and delicate that any comment is a mistake. The admiral, as new Alexey Nevski and the nasty Bolsheviks, the traitor and the end of beautiful love story. But the real Kolchak is in dark. For be a masterpiece, the film must be for good taste of public. So, the history is only convention. The hero , the elegant lady, few details as bones of a huge story are enough. Therefore, it is difficult to criticize this production. Its strenghts are so numerous that any accusation is ridiculous. The Soviet enthusiasm for great fresco, the Russian way to see the life and the tragedy as atonement are key for images of a world end by an old definition.
robert-642
Oh dear! What a load of rubbish. What could have been an enjoyable historical film charting the fall of the Russian monarchy and the rise of communism ended up as a Latin American styled, melodramatic soap opera. It's a pity they didn't add a bit of comedy then it could have qualified as a romantic comedy drama. The cuts between the protagonist and his mistress were far too many - they halted the development of the story. One moment men are have their limbs blown off and the next shot is of her writing lyrical love letters. Had they cut the romance scenes down by 95% it would have been an excellent historical drama - they certainly had the budget for it.And finally. The film was also ruined by the constant location pop ups. One moment they tell you they are in Omsk, three minutes later you are in Petrograd and then a minute after you are back in Omsk! I wouldn't mind but all the places looked the same so why bother? I'd like to have thought it was for the non Russian audience but it wasn't! Save your precious life and watch something more interesting.
jules beremsen
This movies seems to me approved by Putin: simple-minded, patriotic, a complete non-thinker. Not that we don't need non-thinkers from time to time, but this movie doesn't even give its actors a chance to act: the best attitude for the man is the heroic brave grin, and for the woman - the pretentious yet vulnerable smile of adoration or resignation. I get that that time was a time of war and the appraisal of war; but I'm sure Russians are not as conventional and simple-minded as this (they have great writers to prove it - and some directors, too). Although, I'm sure someone like Putin would prefer them this way. This dough is easier to mold.
