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Russkiy kovcheg (2002)'s comments
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Comments 1 - 14 of 14
neocowboy
Having been to Russia and The Hermitage and picking up quite a lot of Russian history, I still find this films content to be considerably esoteric. It is not so much a history lesson as it is an occasional milieu of famous peoples and events from which this viewer feels completely removed.The praise for this film, I feel relies too much upon the - dare I say - gimmick of the one take wonder. It is beautiful, but it pales to the awe of walking the salons of the Winter Palace in person. It is also accomplished but all the technical brilliance can't conceal the - possibly erudite, but in my mind - whimsically vague wanderings of two ethereal men-out-of-time.
The one scene(?) I did find intriguing was in front of Rembrandt's Danae. "This painting and I share a secret." Indeed.
MKej
The last 10min is fantasticbklooney
This is a film less about Russian history as a whole, but about the period of Russian history where it's culture owed a considerable debt to European aristocratic exports while at the same time transforming it into something that was idiosyncratically Russian.The reason for the European out of time as a contrast to the unseen/unnamed narrator is to show that this period was a time of opulence for the Russian Empire prior to it's dissolution in the turmoil of the Revolution. Hence why he chooses to remain in the Hermitage though initially being dismissive of a Russian aesthetic. The period reflected here is one closely tied to Europe and European aesthetics.
The Revolution dissolved the Impirial aesthetics of Peter the Great, Catherine, et al. which is why the film ends with the Romanovs in happier times.
In one sense, the film can be read as a strong work of Russian nationalist pride (not necessarily in the perjorative connotation) and a mournful regret at the loss of the grand Imperial aesthetics to the inevitable October Revolution.
brian_fuller
A gimmick in search of a film. Yes, it's technically impressive to stage a single shot that travels the length of the Hermitage. But the script's structure is weak, as it pretty much follows a tour guide from one gallery to the next. Perhaps it would make more sense to those already familiar with Russian history.MovieDan82
One of the most beautiful films I've seen in a long time. I'm embarrassed that it took me so long to get to this title.ncc5843
The film was shot in a single take!linyok
Men in military uniform strolling, parading and galloping along a huge collection of European art.That's Russian history indeedCundurs
Useless movie.TeaDrinker3000
Neocowboy's comment is valid, but I'd have to respectfully disagree. While it is not the strongest of scripts, it is an honest and well-intentioned one. As opposed to movies like 'The Revenant' that make the technical aspects to their films the main attraction with no artistic meaning, Russian Ark creates a hypnotic feel from start to finish, aiding the narrative.Perhaps I'm trying to explain what is merely subjective. I can understand completely why some would view this as style over substance. For me, however, it is a perfect combination of both.
kurvduam
(removed by mod: please post in English)Yousef Mousa
I'm by all means charmed by this film. Astonishing long takeRigters
This is really one of the best ideas I've seen for a film.That's kind of a history of a country in less than 100min. Incredible camera-work, it's a beautiful and astonishing achieving in cinema, a diferent thing that was really great. This is art. 100min take, imagine what could have happen to stop that take and ruined the all movie. That's a challenge and I would have love to be present to see all this incredible work.
Siskoid
The whole of Russian history in ONE SINGLE SHOT, NO CUTS, NO TRICKS. Technically magical and makes you think, but it may not be for you. It's very slow and strange. Working knowledge of Russian history is also helpful. But recommended for cinema lovers.andype
The last minute is fantastic, because it is the last one.