The Rider Named Death (2004)
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71% of critics liked it
(14 reviews) -
58% of users liked it
(709 ratings)
A small band of radicals takes on a dangerous game of political assassination in this historical drama, based on a novel by Boris Savinkov. Near the dawn of the 20th century, with the Russian Revolution lurking on the horizon, George (Andrei Panin) is the steely leader of a group of socialists… More A small band of radicals takes on a dangerous game of political assassination in this historical drama, based on a novel by Boris Savinkov. Near the dawn of the 20th century, with the Russian Revolution lurking on the horizon, George (Andrei Panin) is the steely leader of a group of socialists determined to bring down the Russian monarchy through any means necessary -- including violence. Working alongside George are Erna (Kseniya Rappoport), who makes bombs and has fallen deeply in love with George; Fydor (Rostislav Bershauer), a peasant who loathes the social and economic inequality of Russian society; Vanya (Artem Semakin), a philosophical type who believes revolution will allow the better side of the nation to rise to power; and Heinrich (Aleksey Kazakov), a deep thinker with an extensive education. George becomes obsessed with the notion of assassinating Grand Duke Sergey Aleksandrovich, and as the group repeatedly attempts to kill the monarch, their differences become increasingly evident as the organization splinters and the members follow different paths. The Rider Named Death (aka Vsadnik Po Imeni Smert) received its North American premiere at the 2004 Montreal Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- Karen Shakhnazarov, Andrei Panin
- Written By
- Karen Shakhnazarov
- Genres
- Art House & International, Drama
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Mar 18, 2005 Wide
- Studio
- Kino International
Critic Reviews
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Ronnie Scheib, Variety
Exquisite, self-contained curio.
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Ty Burr, Boston Globe
Shakhnazarov's film effortlessly captures the times and the author's conflicted yet unyielding attitude, yet it never draws any conclusions -- the film remains under glass. It's watchable, nevertheless.
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Kevin Crust, Los Angeles Times
The force of the film is not as profound as Shakhnazarov clearly intended, and The Rider Named Death is easier to respect than enjoy.
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V.A. Musetto, New York Post
You have to wonder why Shakhnazarov, one of Russian's most experienced filmmakers, didn't take more care with the script.
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Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News
There are few real revelations to be found among these curiously dispassionate radicals, making the overall experience sort of like seeing the movie, instead of reading the book.
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