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Taras Bulba (2009) Reviews

Taras Bulba (2009)
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As helmed by director Vladimir Bortko, this Russian-language saga dramatizes the life and experiences of Taras Bulba, a 16th century Cossack leader from Ukraine. Bulba spends his days fighting the Poles, who are oppressing the Ukrainians of the day, and makes his most calculating move by sending his son to study in Poland, so that the boy can learn the ways of the oppressing country. Once there, however, the boy promptly falls in love with a Polish noblewoman. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Cossacks must fiercely stand their ground as Polish armies close in. Bulba's story was previously told in an eponymous 1962 drama by J. Lee Thompson that starred Yul Brynner and Tony Curtis. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

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Starring:
Bogdan Stupka
Director(s):
Vladimir Bortko
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
NR
Format(s):
DVD
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Average Ratings

(8 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

Gennadiy V.

I really love when some "smarty pants" discuss the "Russian Propaganda". It's not Russian movie, it's Ukrainian. And the budget of the movie is HUGE for Ukrainian movie industry: $25,000,000 (estimated). Do not even try to compare such movies with blockbusters. It's international movie and it's really good as foreign movie. I definitely think it worth to watch it. Regards, G

Yes   |   No


Andrew M.

The film was partly financed by the Russian Ministry of Culture and has been criticized in Ukraine for being a part of political propaganda "resembling leaflets for Putin"[5] . While the Polish characters in the movie speak Polish, the Ukrainian Cossacks are presented as speaking only Russian. The director Vladimir Bortko has also stated that the movie was aimed to show that "there is no separate Ukraine".Original manuscript first edition of 1835 was not used but the author's edition of 1842 (considered more pro-Russian, expanded and rewritten , was used for the film. Also, there are added scenes of Polish brutality that are not in the book. I just have one phrase to describe this movie: Russian propaganda

Yes   |   No


Christian P.

I was wondering which side of the debate was more accurate - this is total, obvious, Russian propaganda. Nauseatingly so. Eye rollingly so. The whole thing ends in a big swell of music and a speech about the indomnible spirit and strength of the Russian people.

Yes   |   No


Teresa C.

Although heavy on the promotion of the Russian Orthodox Church, this movie is a raw, brutal account of the famed Tarus Bulba & his sons.

Yes   |   No


Jack A.

A good movie with the exception of the subtitling. Jack A.

Yes   |   No


Allan M.

Well done for an "international" Slavic film. Not as good as 1612 or With Fire and Sword (trilogy) but still holds up if you can get past some cultural points about "dying well while horribly", little visual emotional basis for some actions, and prior-to-demise-speeches that glorify the Motherland for all Eternity. Those used to Ramboesque action will be annoyed by Taras' overly long soliliquey (and eyesight) while being burned alive. It was a brutal time and the Poles get to play the Uber-demons this time, although someone should give the Turks their cinematic due one day. Still, the film remains true to its central point, which is Duty vs Love in general, and the consequences of making personal choices in a "socialist" world as a point of propaganda. Actually, the latter point was much better made, and with catchy tunes, in the DDR musical: Heisse Sommer.

Yes   |   No


Aloysius O.

I own, and more or less enjoyed, 1612; so I was naturally interested in this new version of Taras Bulba. Although there is a fair amount to admire in this grim movie, I came away wondering if it was co-produced by the Russian Orthodox Church or by Vladimir Putin's "re-election" campaign. I don't doubt that Russians love their land and religion deeply but I'm pretty sure that Poles do too, not to mention Ukrainians. Another criticism is that the editing is often choppy, e.g., how did Taras Bulba get out of Warsaw? Al O'Neill

Yes   |   No


Nancy L.

In a word: Terrible! Extremely slow pacing, cheesy effects, big disappointment. Skip this mess, and you won't regret it!

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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    Member Reviews
    Read all (8)
     
    Gennadiy V.

    I really love when some "smarty pants" discuss the "Russian Propaganda". It's not Russian movie, it's Ukrainian. And the budget of the movie is HUGE for Ukrainian movie industry: $25,000,000 (estimated). Do not even try to compare such movies with blockbusters. It's international movie and it's really good as foreign movie. I definitely think it worth to watch it. Regards, G

    Yes   |   No

     
    Andrew M.

    The film was partly financed by the Russian Ministry of Culture and has been criticized in Ukraine for being a part of political propaganda "resembling leaflets for Putin"[5] . While the Polish characters in the movie speak Polish, the Ukrainian Cossacks are presented as speaking only Russian. The director Vladimir Bortko has also stated that the movie was aimed to show that "there is no separate Ukraine".Original manuscript first edition of 1835 was not used but the author's edition of 1842 (considered more pro-Russian, expanded and rewritten , was used for the film. Also, there are added scenes of Polish brutality that are not in the book. I just have one phrase to describe this movie: Russian propaganda

    Yes   |   No

     
    Christian P.

    I was wondering which side of the debate was more accurate - this is total, obvious, Russian propaganda. Nauseatingly so. Eye rollingly so. The whole thing ends in a big swell of music and a speech about the indomnible spirit and strength of the Russian people.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 8 Reviews
       

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