Tobol

Probably 1 star too many, but I have seen recently so many bad films that this one seems quite good. Consider the fact that I am a Pole, so I dislike Russian culture, but the film seems really interesting. Set in the times of Peter the Great, the builder and conquerer. A story is simple, war and love, but played well, heroes believable, actors are professionals, a few beautiful and handsome faces, the set is drawn in simple strokes, you can follow enjoying the view, harsh climate and characters. Costumes are beautiful, the screenplay acceptable, directing flawless, cinematographer knows his job. A solid film deserving a better recognition. Not too much money spent and thank God, instead of following blown cars or cities we can follow a good storyline.

Siberian families fight to preserve Russia.

Action film has good acting (Agata Mutsenietse as 'Brigitte') and big production values complete with a Topol-type character ('Fiddler on the Roof', 1971) and a Genghis Khan-type warrior. Who will prevail?

English subtitles help make this near 2-hour film watchable.

Not least for the glimpse it might give into some of Putin's thinking.

I have no idea about the historical accuracy, but the geopolitics is very interesting, showing the juxtaposition of the same sort of eastern mounted warriors who in more ancient times had often swept into Europe, but were now caught between the Chinese and Russian empires.

The predominant theme is one of peoples just wanting to live in peace - one that is extremely relevant today - and just how difficult that can be, with troublemakers at both extremes of the social hierarchy always ready to start a fight.

Despite appearances, the plot line is quite complex - even at the romantic level - and the action scenes are well staged.

It's nice to watch films from sources other than the Hollywood production line, especially when they give you a glimpse into other cultures and ways of life.

One of the most awful films I have seen in the last years. All actors' play is unsatisfactory, almost nothing left from the original book which is interesting and very good, so no surprise the author asked to take off his name from the film titles.

Good movie - interesting to watch, nicely shot, based on well written book by famous author. A.Ivanov got the "Book of the year" prise in Russia several years back for another historical book ("Heart of Parma" where he also talked about history of Siberia), therefore anything by Ivanov is expected to be winner.

Although movie only based on the book it is educational to see and highly recommended for these who want to know more. This movie deserves to be shown in wider selection of Canadian theaters but knowing how relations with Russia deteriorated and affected by sanctions, this show is a good surprise and opportunity to widen your knowledge and see something new among dominated fantasy and comic based blockbusters.