Alexander Nevsky, Sergei Eisenstein's landmark tale of Russia thwarting the German invasion of the 13th century, was wildly popular with home-grown audiences back in 1938, quite intentionally so, given the prevailing Nazi geopolitical advancement and destruction at the time. It can still be viewed as a masterful use of imagery and music, with the "Battle on the Ice" sequence as the obvious highlight. Unfortunately, the rest of the film pales in comparison. A great score by Prokofiev was effectively integrated by the Russian filmmaker, but stands on its own merit as... well. --Bill Desowitz, Amazon.com [show more]
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Sergei Eisenstein's first sound film tells the story of Alexander Nevsky, a legendary hero who led the Russian Army against a German invasion in the 13th century. The film was made just before World War 2 and the inevitable onslaught between Russia and Hitler's Germany. The authenticity of the battle scenes was vouchsafed by Eisenstein being allowed unlimited access to the real Russian army.
Nikolai Cherkassov stars as the legenday Alexander Nevsky in Sergei Eisenstein's masterpiece of propaganda, made with the assistance of Stalin, to stir up Soviet audiences in anticipation of a Nazi invasion. Withdrawn from release after the signing of the Hitler-Stalin pact in 1939, it returned to Russian theaters in 1941, following the commencement of hostilities. The film is set in 13th-century Russia, as the religious brotherhood of the Teutonic Knights runs rampant throughout the land. Following the brutal sack of the city of Pskov, the people of Novgorod must decide if they will fight the invaders or, like other cities, bribe them to obtain peace. Opting to fight, they call on their greatest military leader, Alexander Nevsky, who is still recuperating with his troops from defeating the Swedish army. The historic battle on the frozen surface of Lake Peipus, pitting the peasant army of Nevsky against the better-equipped German force, is one of the most impressive spectacles in film history, a visual symphony of mutual slaughter as powerful now as on the day of its release. Because of Eisenstein's use of linkage--seamless Hollywood-style editing rather than intellectual montage--and Prokofiev's evocative, rhythmically inventive score, ALEXANDER NEVSKY might be the most accessible of his films.
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