"Alexander Nevsky" is a mythohistorical recounting of a portion of the life of the Russian leader. He is called upon to defend Novgorod against invasion by the Teutonic Knights of the Holy Roman Empire. This seminal battle for the religious and political roots of Russia made Nevsky the main hero of Russia's history per a popular vote in 2008.
Director Sergei Eisenstein's film is notable for its clear, impactful images. But otherwise I consider it inferior to many other films of its era.
The battle action is often cited as one of the film's best features, but the swords don't pierce and the axes don't cleave---and this is shown quite clearly. The activities of the men on the field of battle are amateurish and not even remotely convincing. The Teutonic Knights are depicted as little more than mindless fodder.
The acting, in general, is exaggerated and stiff. Here again, the film should be compared to others of its time, e.g. "The Adventures of Robin Hood".
Eisenstein has a solid place in Russian film history and this film is certainly a seminal part of his oeuvre, but it fails to inspire.
Director Sergei Eisenstein's film is notable for its clear, impactful images. But otherwise I consider it inferior to many other films of its era.
The battle action is often cited as one of the film's best features, but the swords don't pierce and the axes don't cleave---and this is shown quite clearly. The activities of the men on the field of battle are amateurish and not even remotely convincing. The Teutonic Knights are depicted as little more than mindless fodder.
The acting, in general, is exaggerated and stiff. Here again, the film should be compared to others of its time, e.g. "The Adventures of Robin Hood".
Eisenstein has a solid place in Russian film history and this film is certainly a seminal part of his oeuvre, but it fails to inspire.