Aleksandr Nevskiy (Alexander Nevsky) (1938)
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94% of critics liked it
(18 reviews) -
82% of users liked it
(4,700 ratings)
Like many of Eisenstein's best films, Alexander Nevsky was conceived as a morale-booster, aimed at stirring up Russian patriotism. It is set in the 13th century, but the villainous Teutonic Knights are obviously meant to represent the burgeoning threat of Hitler's hordes. With Russia… More Like many of Eisenstein's best films, Alexander Nevsky was conceived as a morale-booster, aimed at stirring up Russian patriotism. It is set in the 13th century, but the villainous Teutonic Knights are obviously meant to represent the burgeoning threat of Hitler's hordes. With Russia besieged by both these knights and by the Tartars, only a charismatic leader can save the populace from these barbaric baby killers (yes, we see the villains tossing screaming infants into bonfires!) The hero of the piece is the legendary Prince Alexander Nevsky, portrayed by Nikolai Cherkasov, who bears a striking resemblance to Gary Cooper. The saving turnaround for Nevsky is the battle of ice-covered Lake Peipus in 1242. This bravura sequence is staged in spectacular fashion, underlined by the specially-commissioned music of Sergei Prokofiev. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Dmitri Vasilyev, Sergei M. Eisenstein
- Genres
- Art House & International, Drama
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1938 Wide
Critic Reviews
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Sara Cardace, New York Magazine
Sergei Eisenstein's mannerist epic about the Russian hero who warded off the invading Teutonic knights is a near-perfect combination of image and sound.
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Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out New York
The movie is strident, yes, but when it soars, it can't be touched.
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Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Edouard Tisse's superb photography and Prokofiev's stirring score contribute to a rhythm that is well-nigh irresistible.
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Frank S. Nugent, New York Times
It is impossible... not to marvel at his stylistic insistence that all people walk along a sky-line, and not to wish, in the same breath, that more directors had his talent for doing great things so well and little things so badly.
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Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Though made in 1938, Eisenstein historical epic, drawing parallels between the thirteenth centure and the late 1930s, is still one of the most rousing sepectacles ever made, rich in imagery and sound.
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Cast
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Nikolai Cherkasov
as Alexander Nevsky
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Nikolai Okhlopkov
as Vassily Buslai
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Andrei Abrikosov
as Gavrilo Olexich
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Dmitri N. Orlov
as Ignat Master Armourer
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V.K. Novikov
as Pavsha Governor of Pskov
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Vladimir Yershov
as Master of the Teutonic Order
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N.N. Arski
as Domash Nobleman of Novgorod
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Valeria O. Massalitinova
as Amefa Timofeyevna Mother of Buslai
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Valentina Ivasheva
as Olga a Novgorod Girl
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Alexandra Danilova
as Vassilissa
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Sergei Blinnikov
as Tverdilo Traitorous Mayor of Pskov
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I.I. Lagutin
as Anani a Monk
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Lev Fenin
as The Bishop
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N.A. Rogozbbin
as The Black-Robed Monk
