Russian Ark

Russian Federation 2002, 96 minutes
Dir. Alexandr Sokurov
In Russian with English subtitles
Rating: [PG]
Genres: Foreign Cinema, Drama / History

Topics: Experimental.

Aroview: Distinguised by its dazzling cinematic conceit - 300 years of Russian history staged in the Hermitage Museum (with 2000 extras) and captured in a singe tracking shot - this art-film has been pondered and acclaimed worldwide.

Following the mental journey and detached musings of a 19th century aristocrat (and an unseen narrator) we swirl past various famous personages (Peter the Great, Tsar Nicholas) and bit players, and events both important and trivial. Climaxing in a lavish recreation of the last grand ball held in the actual Hermitage in 1913, this raises and ponders many issues along the way - cultural, historical, philosophical - an eccentric analysis finally welded together by its breathtaking cinematic spectacle.

NZ International Film Festival 2002

Member Reviews

Average rating (Good Enough). Showing 1-3 of 6 member reviews.

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1 star (Turkey) Tiresome! You need a lot of energy to sit m through this video! ~Sandy
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4 stars (Very Good) Certainly not for everyone, but it's a visually stunning film and a novel walkthrough of Russian history. The technical feats are astounding, but ultimately get in the way of the point. The making of featurette is actually more engrossing. ~Pop&Coffee
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4 stars (Very Good) An ambitious single shot continuous take survey of Russian history. Filmed through the Hermitage museum with thousands of extras. Visually stunning. ~bikewrench