Alexander Nevsky (1938) Reviews

Alexander Nevsky (1938)
Member Rating:  
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

 Read More


Starring:
Nikolai Cherkasov, Nikolai Okhlopkov, (more)
Director(s):
Sergei Eisenstein
Format(s):
DVD
View All Versions to rent and buy
 
 
 
 
 
 

Average Ratings

(7 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

Lydia H.

This movie needs to be translated by someone who understands English fluently. "I worsted him once and I'll worst him again." It was interesting to see some serious propaganda to compete with a Triumph of the Will. But it was really hard to take this movie seriously with the 1930's acting and terrible translation. Big ups to Prokofiev!

Yes   |   No


Tibor S.

The Stalinist propaganda is clearly shining through this movie, nevertheless I would put this movie on top of my list. The prediction Eisenstein is making to what will happen to Russia in 3 years is astounding. I never take movies seriously but this one made me shed a tear, especially knowing that similar things did happen only a few years after the movie came out.

Yes   |   No


David S.

mother russia is found in the hearts and souls of a nation. this film created to show the pride of the motherland has lovable characters and a noble leader. simple king arthur-style of good or right winning out in the end, simple values that we all miss. their fight was justified and they won it through perserverance of hardship a couple characters finding love. in the movie making days of earl flyn and clark gable stand this worthy movie from russia's heart.

Yes   |   No


Joe G.

I love movies with a historical basis. This movie does reflect actual events in that time period, excellent. Stalin was the guiding hand on this movie. Sergel Eisenstein, was brilliant, in caring out his master's message to the faithful. Stalin and Hitler signed a non-aggression pact less than a year later. Ah, propaganda it's soo useful, for the folks who want to control us.

Yes   |   No


Devin L.

As visual art, a masterpeice. As a story, overlong, tedious, and painfully melodramatic. As agitprop, terrific, if you think one murderous autocrat (Hitler) is somehow worse than another (Stalin, who has far more dead on his account). The rather naive portrayal of the "glorious proles" was quite irritating, and disgusting to anyone who knows the truth.

Yes   |   No


William A.

highly stylized, much as is a silent film. unabashedly jingoistic and heavy-handedly soviet. nevertheless, the imagery is often quite arresting with flashes of genius, and there are shots and mise-en-scenes that have been copied numerous times [too numerous to recount!], from the excellent 'zulu' to the recent drab 'king arthur' and beyond. but for a real treat, be sure to watch the 'bezhin meadow' still frame compilation in the extras---really extraordinary!

Yes   |   No


Walter B.

Outstanding.

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

BY MAIL

Monthly Subscription
 

IN-STORE

 

What's Your Take?

Add to FavoritesIn Favorites  |  Share:     Email to a friendShare on FacebookShare on Twitter
    YOUR REVIEW
    WRITE A REVIEW
     
    1000 
     
    Member Reviews
    Read all (7)
     
    Lydia H.

    This movie needs to be translated by someone who understands English fluently. "I worsted him once and I'll worst him again." It was interesting to see some serious propaganda to compete with a Triumph of the Will. But it was really hard to take this movie seriously with the 1930's acting and terrible translation. Big ups to Prokofiev!

    Yes   |   No

     
    Tibor S.

    The Stalinist propaganda is clearly shining through this movie, nevertheless I would put this movie on top of my list. The prediction Eisenstein is making to what will happen to Russia in 3 years is astounding. I never take movies seriously but this one made me shed a tear, especially knowing that similar things did happen only a few years after the movie came out.

    Yes   |   No

     
    David S.

    mother russia is found in the hearts and souls of a nation. this film created to show the pride of the motherland has lovable characters and a noble leader. simple king arthur-style of good or right winning out in the end, simple values that we all miss. their fight was justified and they won it through perserverance of hardship a couple characters finding love. in the movie making days of earl flyn and clark gable stand this worthy movie from russia's heart.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 7 Reviews
       

      Quick Links

      Email Exclusives

      Find Us Online: BLOCKBUSTER Blog - BLOCKBUSTER Widgets - BLOCKBUSTER RSS FEED - BLOCKBUSTER Facebook Page - BLOCKBUSTER Twitter Page - BLOCKBUSTER Wiki

      FIND MOVIES

      ALL MOVIES

      Popular | # | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

      ALL ACTORS AND DIRECTORS

      Popular | # | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

      BLOCKBUSTER CORPORATE

       

      BLOCKBUSTER name, design and related marks are trademarks of Blockbuster L.L.C. © 2012 Blockbuster L.L.C. All rights reserved.

      Portions of Content Provided by Rovi Corporation. © 2012 Rovi Corporation.