Russia - Land of the Tsars
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Movie Reviews of Russia - Land of the Tsars
Movie Review: Good Introductory Documentary on Russia
Summary: 4 Stars
If you approach this documentary with an understanding of what it does and does not purport to do, you'll probably not be disappointed. This is NOT an in-depth, scholarly history of Russia, nor a detailed examination of the historical forces at work at each major turning point of Russia's history. What is IS, however, is a good, solid introduction to the main themes and threads of Russian history, with an emphasis on the personages (the "Tsars") that were in power over the period covered (e.g., Ivan the Terrible, Catherine, Peter the Great, Nicolas II, and others). If you are interested in a general introduction to the country, this is probably not a bad place to start. And because many people don't know much about Russia, it's probably safe to say that this documentary will likely appeal to the majority of potential viewers.
The documentary was developed by The History Channel, and although it is in no way comparable to the premier documentaries created by the BBC, or even PBS, it has generally good production values, a script that clearly presents the content in a coherent manner, and a good narration in Hermann. Yes, there are the typical theatrical "visuals" that one often sees in THC productions, but so what? The most important thing is that we get the overall picture, learn basic content, and then are able to visualize it more accurately by watching the period acting, the photo reproductions, and even seeing a few historical clips embedded in the show. The documentary is broken into four separate episodes, each one designed to fit into a typical on-air TV hour block (about 50 minutes).
Perhaps the most impacting aspect of watching this show is realizing the amount of tyranny and despotism these people have endured over the centuries. Learning so helps us to be more understanding, more sympathetic, and perhaps more able to interpret modern Russia's tendencies and behaviors. Russia's history is in many ways a great history, but it is also a history filled with many sorrows and tribulations. It is a history worth knowing. Here's an easy way to get started learning it.
Movie Review: Very Well Done Basic Introduction
Summary: 4 Stars
As a teacher, I generally dislike multi-media. However, I did show my students some excerpts from "Land of the Tsars" and they found it enjoyable and informative.
The documentary is "personality centered/great man" history, using figures like Ivan the Dread, Peter the Great, and Catherine the Great as the mirrors through which Russia shaped itself. The titanic and paradoxical impact of Peter was especially well-done in very basic language and concepts. Now, the advanced student of Russian Studies will find this series tiresome - "same old, same old" that does little justice to the social and cultural movements that shaped Russia "closer to the ground." And the throne room gossip and sometimes overly dramatic editing (i.e. "flashes of lightning" whenever Ivan appears on the screen) can get a little tiring and old. But one thing especially stood out for me. The Mongol "yoke" (which in many ways was not a "yoke" at all) and Russia before the Tsars are covered in a very, very balanced and even handed style (altough with a brevity that does the subject no justice) which takes account of the rethinking that has been occurring slowly in both Russia and the West about the extent of the Mongol cultural contribution. You would not have found that even as recently as twenty-five years ago. The series generally - and commendably - avoids excessively romanticizing its subjects.
The costuming is very well done, the images artfully chosen, and the soundtrack impressive. There is little acting in favor of commentary, which is welcome.
Again, this is a basic history, shaped to the limited format of its medium. But it will keep the audience engaged and interested in a well-done, broadly generaliast overview of the various remarkable men and women of power who created "Russia" as we know it, and don't know it.
Enthusiastically recommend.
Movie Review: Ends Abruptly - But Still Worthwhile
Summary: 4 Stars
This 2 DVD set from the History Channel with the soothing voice of Edward Herrmann narrating tells the story of Russia starting in the 1500s and how this collection of varied peoples became a nation.
This tortured land and its citizens have suffered everything including invasions, revolutions, plagues, wars, and persecutions, yet Russian history remains a highly compelling tale.
While full of interesting information about each Tsar (including where the name came from), the documentary suffers from an overuse of the same re-enactment footage over and over.
But my biggest complaint is that it is too focused on the Tsars and ends abruptly with the death of the last Tsar Nicholas in 1918. There is nothing about the tumult in most of the 20th century. I was hoping for more of a complete Russian history.
Still it is a better than average historical documentary and the Tsars are very interesting ranging from the holy to the horrific.
Movie Review: Welcome to the Romanov family
Summary: 4 Stars
Best thing:
Covers the entire span of Romanov rule in Russia. If you're like me and not an aficionado of the Romanov family, it is splendidly interesting the entire way through.
Worst thing:
Signature History Channel problems. As opposed to the superior PBS documentaries, HS always wants to over-dramatize with scary music or fire burning over the bad guys (they always do that with Hitler. Come on, it's Hiitler... we know he's bad. We don't need the blood dripping down the screen or fire). The other thing they do is they get a few clips of some fighting or someone falling to their death or candles blowing out-- and just show them again and again; generically applying the clips to any year in history.
But having said that... at least HS did this when no one else has... and I'm glad they did. It is quite engaging.
Movie Review: So you think you know about Russia?
Summary: 4 Stars
This is an excellent documentary about the Russia most of us know little about. Governments, including the US have had an uneasy relationship with Russia and it's politics since World War II and the Cold War. That is the Russia most of us visualize and have learned about in our schools.
This documentary covers the foundation of Russia and the expansion of it's land and people from their first leaders to the establishment and demise of the Romanov family and their 300 year dynasty. This documentary also gives insight into the cultural and religious beliefs of the Russian people and it's governmment.
It is a superb DVD that should be in any serious historian's collection.