Maya Bulgakova Movies
One of Russia's best supporting and character actresses of the 1960s, Maya Bulgakova was best known for her dramatic performances. A dark blonde with a narrow face and serious demeanor, she specialized in war dramas, playing ordinary Russian women who showed courage and resourcefulness in overcoming adversity. She was also skilled in playing comedic characters. Her most famous role was that of Catherina in Prestuplenyie i Nakazanyie/Crime and Punishment (1970). A graduate of the Soviet Institute of Cinematography (VGIK), Bulgakova first gained widespread acclaim for playing Partisan Alyona in Povest Plamennykh Let/Flaming Years (1961). Other notable roles include that of former war pilot Nadezhda Petrukhina in Wings (1966) and Nurse Maria in Vogne Broda Net. In 1977, she received the designation of the People's Artist of the USSR. In addition to her film work, she had been involved with the Actor's Theatre-Studio since 1955. Though she was never a major star, Bulgakova was well-loved in Moscow's movie community and there was considerable mourning after she was killed in a car accident on October 11, 1994. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- 1991
The internationally renowned Soviet poet Yevgeny Yevtushenko was among the many who attended the March 1953 funeral of Joseph Stalin, the justly feared head of state. The celebrated American novelist John Steinbeck read about the macabre scene Yevtushenko described in his autobiography and suggested that he make a film of it. Many decades later, the poet directed and wrote this movie. After Stalin's death, his body was displayed for a few days in the Palace of the Unions, and citizens were required to pay their respects to the dead leader. Thousands of people flooded the streets around the palace waiting for their turn. At one point, when the gathering was especially crowded, a stampede broke out which resulted in many people being trampled or killed. Some commentators believe that this was a secret action planned by the KGB (or whatever it was called back then) in order to heighten the sense of fear and awe among ordinary people, a sort of human sacrifice similar to those practiced by pagans in ancient times. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi
- Starring:
- Denis Konstantinov, Yevgeny Platokhin, (more)
- 1990
Sergei Paradjanov was a filmmaker of incredible sensitivity and had a joy for life. This could not be taken from him even after he was imprisoned by the Soviet government for homosexuality and trafficking in art objects. During his imprisonment, he wrote the story on which this movie is based and which, after his death, was made by Yuri Ilyenko. Unfortunately, the joy was taken from it and the feeling of hope, leaving only the despair and suffering. The film is rife with excessive violence which is right on target if the entire purpose of the story was to show man's gradual insensitivity to pain and suffering. It still leaves out the sense of hope from the original story, however, which will leave Paradjanov fans feeling cheated. ~ Tana Hobart, Rovi
- Starring:
- Viktor Solovyov, Ludmila Yefimenko, (more)
- 1988
Former Nazi collaborator Vilgot is a bitter old man who lost two sons during World War II. One of his sons was also a collaborator while the other was a hero. Sashko is a young neighbor who learns of Vilgot's past villainy, and Vilgot plans to kill the boy as well as a local policeman. When Vilgot tries to kill Sashko, Sashko's father kills the stalker. Former cinematographer Yuri Ilienko directs this Ukrainian war drama with a sense of beauty that contrasts the somber themes of the story. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi
- Starring:
- Les Serdyuk, Filippok Ilenko, (more)
- 1983
- PG
Russian director Sergey Tarasov helmed this adaptation of Sir Walter Scott's 19th century classic Ivanhoe. Released in 1983, Ballada O Doblestnom Rytsare Ayvengo (The Ballad of the Valiant Knight Ivanhoe) finds Peteris Gaudins in the role of Ivanhoe, the courageous hero who returns from the Crusades to find King Richard the Lionhearted dethroned by his villainous brother, John. To make matters worse, Ivanhoe discovers that in his absence, his beloved Rowena married another. Enlisting the help of a band of rebels, including Robin Hood, Ivanhoe attempts to restore Richard's kingdom and once again find true love. Previous adaptations found Ivanhoe portrayed by such actors as Steven Waddington and Robert Taylor. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi
- Starring:
- Tamara Akulova, Peteris Gaudins, (more)
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