Petr Mamonov Movies
- 2009
The true story of one of Russia's most tyrannical leaders is given a new screen adaptation in this historical drama from director Pavel Lounguine. In the 16th century, Tsar Ivan IV (Pyotr Mamonov) had already gained the nickname "Ivan The Terrible" for his anger and violent paranoia, and as he becomes more increasingly devoted to the Russian Orthodox faith (especially as many of his enemies in other lands are Muslim), he's found himself having profound disagreements with church leaders. Ivan appoints his longtime friend Filipp (Oleg Yankovsky) as the church's new metropolitan, but Filipp finds himself in an uncomfortable position when his rulings on doctrine run counter to the wishes of Ivan and his fierce loyalists, including Tsarina Maria Temryukovna (Ramilya Iskander). After the Polish army takes the city of Polotsk, Ivan orders the execution of his military leaders; Filipp gives the condemned men sanctuary in his church, but in time he's forced to give in to Ivan and his personal army. A severe rift grows between Ivan and Filipp as the latter becomes convinced he cannot serve God and the tsar at the same time. Tzar (aka Tsar) was an official selection at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, where it was screened as part of the "Un Certain Regard" program. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Petr Mamonov, Oleg Yankovsky, (more)
- 2006
A man of faith uses his gifts in disturbing ways in this drama infused with the supernatural. In 1942, Anatoly (Timofei Tribuntzev) was a sailor in the Russian Navy when his ship was captured by German troops and Anatoly was offered a terrible choice -- he would be allowed to live, but only if he would execute his commanding officer, Captain Tikhon (Aleksei Zelenski). Anatoly impulsively shot Tikhon, and thirty-four years later, Anatoly (now played by Pyotr Mamonov) is still punishing himself for this desperate act. Anatoly lives a Spartan existence in a tumble-down shack near a monastery, where he tends to the furnaces and serves Father Filaret (Viktor Sukhorukov), who lacks Anatoly's rigorous discipline of self-denial, and Father Job (Dmitry Dyuzhev), who treats his willing servant like a slave. While the staff at the monastery prefer not to acknowledge it, Anatoly has developed an unusual reputation in the village -- it's believed he has a gift of prophecy and can heal through faith, but while Anatoly is willing to use these talents, he will only do so for those who are willing to renounce all their worldly possessions and give their lives to the Lord. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Petr Mamonov, Viktor Sukhorukov, (more)
Taxi Blues is a ground-breaking Russian film, one of the first to examine the rifts between the old Soviet Union and the post-communist Russian society. The movie concerns the friendship of an independent, alcoholic Jewish jazz musician named Liocha (Piotr Nikolajevitch Mamonov) and Schlikov (Pyotr Zaitchenko) a stern, conservative cabdriver. After Liocha doesn't pay Schlikov for a fare one evening, the cab driver tracks the musician down and takes his saxophone as payment. Despite his initial treatment of Liocha, Schlikov becomes fascinated by the musician and offers him a bed in his apartment. Eventually, the two strike up a friendship and Liocha gets a job in the taxi depot in order to pay off his debt. However, their friendship turn sour when Schlikov's girlfriend becomes smitten with the musician and Liocha joins an American musician for a U.S. tour. When Liocha returns, rich and successful, he fights with his old friend, leading to a sorrowful conclusion. Taxi Blues received great critical acclaim and many awards, including director Pavel Lungin winning the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1990. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi
- Starring:
- Petr Mamonov, Piotr Zaitchenko, (more)
