Alexander Nevsky is the story of Russian resistance to.a 13th-century German invasion, also a propaganda allegory for the coming conflict in World War II. The teutonic knights are on the march and have sacked Pskov with horrible atrocities. It is up to Prince Alexander to amass the forces that will stop the invasion and save Mother Russia. The film was directed by Sergei Eistenstein, one of the most pre-eminent pre-World War II filmmakers.
I first became acquainted with this movie playing in a live orchestra performance of the film score as the movie was being shown--our University orchestra took on the project. The score is famous because it was written by the great composer Sergei Prokofiev, and is an integral part of the movie. I decided to rewatch the movie after many years to see if it fit my memory--I was also hoping for an entertaining classic and re-experience of a fond memory.
Sadly, I was really disappointed. My 19-year old son, with whom I was watching, got bored after a half hour and complained of the movie's slow pace and predictability (both accurate assumptions I am afraid). Much of the dialogue is stilted and badly acted. The Germans are cartoonishly evil, throwing babies into fires and such, it seems a bit over the top and more germane for tacky propaganda. The battle scenes are admittedly impressive with hundreds of extras (both humans and horses), although not especially realistic with respect to blood and gore--after Saving Private Ryan, we are accustomed to special effects that can tell the horrific story, so much of the battle materials seems quaint. Even Prokofiev's score, which has brilliant moments, is a bit uneven. The main battle material sounds more like goofy circus music, and seems strangely out of place.
Ultimately, I think this movie gets its reputation first from its patriotic and historical position. In a fresh view it is strangely quaint and awkward, with spectacular moments and some real silly stuff in between.
I first became acquainted with this movie playing in a live orchestra performance of the film score as the movie was being shown--our University orchestra took on the project. The score is famous because it was written by the great composer Sergei Prokofiev, and is an integral part of the movie. I decided to rewatch the movie after many years to see if it fit my memory--I was also hoping for an entertaining classic and re-experience of a fond memory.
Sadly, I was really disappointed. My 19-year old son, with whom I was watching, got bored after a half hour and complained of the movie's slow pace and predictability (both accurate assumptions I am afraid). Much of the dialogue is stilted and badly acted. The Germans are cartoonishly evil, throwing babies into fires and such, it seems a bit over the top and more germane for tacky propaganda. The battle scenes are admittedly impressive with hundreds of extras (both humans and horses), although not especially realistic with respect to blood and gore--after Saving Private Ryan, we are accustomed to special effects that can tell the horrific story, so much of the battle materials seems quaint. Even Prokofiev's score, which has brilliant moments, is a bit uneven. The main battle material sounds more like goofy circus music, and seems strangely out of place.
Ultimately, I think this movie gets its reputation first from its patriotic and historical position. In a fresh view it is strangely quaint and awkward, with spectacular moments and some real silly stuff in between.