Der Meister und Margarita

I was terrified when I heard that an adaptation of Bulgakov's masterpiece had just been released. I feared having to endure a dreadful disaster that would make me nauseous and ruin this iconic book, which I've read, reread, and read again. I trembled at the thought of raging and shouting my anger... And then the miracle happened! Mikhaïl Lockshin accomplished the almost impossible feat of adapting this philosophical-political novel for the screen and brilliantly capturing the absurd humor of its author. This film is an absolute marvel! The direction is clever, the casting is perfect, and the meticulously crafted sets seem to have come straight out of the book. The Master is captivating, Marguerite is enchanting, and Behemoth is true to himself (I only regret that his legendary machine gun didn't get more screen time!).

I applauded at the end, wiping away a tear of joy. Bravo! What a delight!

The movie is done really well. It looks great, it's well edited, has great sound design and all the performances are flawless.

The timelines and realities are so convoluted that it would make Nolan scratch his head. However, the movie does a great job at keeping the story comprehensible and engaging.

I usually don't like long movies, but in this case the two and a half hours runtime is well justified and passed by quickly. There's no runtime padding and everything feels essential.

The only reason I subtracted one star is that the humor from the book didn't properly precipitate into this movie (but that's super subjective so take with a grain of salt). Otherwise it's a nearly perfect and innovative adaptation of a good book.

The latest cinematic rendition of Mikhail Bulgakov's "Master and Margarita" is a compelling and artistically rich adaptation that both honors and reinterprets the classic novel. Differing from the beloved 2005 series starring Oleg Basilashvili, this new version presents a fresh perspective on the timeless story, offering a unique visual and narrative experience.

At its core, the film remains faithful to Bulgakov's narrative, weaving the parallel tales of the Master, a writer persecuted for his work, Margarita, his devoted lover, and the fantastical events surrounding the devil's visit to Moscow. However, the director's approach infuses the story with a distinct contemporary flair, setting it apart from previous adaptations.

Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes, combining stunning cinematography with imaginative special effects that bring the mystical elements of the story to life. The portrayal of Woland's entourage is particularly noteworthy, capturing their eerie and whimsical nature.

The performances are exceptional, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their characters. The chemistry between the Master and Margarita is palpable, adding an emotional weight to their tragic romance.

The film's pacing and tone do justice to Bulgakov's complex narrative, balancing the dark, satirical elements with moments of profound emotion. The modern touch to the story's presentation may divide traditionalists but is sure to captivate a new generation of viewers.

In conclusion, this new adaptation of "Master and Margarita" is a daring and visually stunning film that breathes new life into Bulgakov's masterpiece. It is a must-watch for fans of the novel and for those seeking a thought-provoking and beautifully crafted cinematic experience.

The movie adaptation of the classic book is a rare gem that successfully captures the essence of the story, the tragic lives of the Master and Margarita. The film explores the absurdity of communism, the struggles a creative writer has to endure under a suppressive regime, and features a beautiful love story that adds to the movie's emotional depth. The execution of the film is excellent, with fantastic actors bringing the characters to life, including August Diehl as Woland, Yevgeny Tsyganov as the Master, and Yuliya Snigir as Margarita. In all, I loved the different themes interwoven in this lovely tragedy.

These days it's tempting to refuse anything Russian, but in this case one has to note that 1) this is adapted from the most celebrated work of Russian fiction in the 20th century, written by a Kiev-born dramatist shortly before his death and forbidden from publication in the Soviet Union until the 1960s, and 2) this was largely financed by an Odessa-born American billionaire who owns the sports network DAZN. Also, principal photography was finished in late 2021, before the invasion of Ukraine.

The phantasmagorical plot makes for an extraordinary reading experience because one cannot summarize it. Like all truly great literature, this is not really a story about something, it's a series of bizarre anecdotes set in the framework of forsaken romance in the claustrophobic Stalinist Moscow of the 1930s, where the Devil appears on the pages of a writer in crisis, and then seemingly in reality. German actor August Diehl's performance as Woland is the best of his career and he gives the character a perfect ambivalence which is required in portraying the supernatural. It is quite possible to read into his Satan an allegory of Putin himself, and it is also quite possible to deny it. The hysterical satire of the novel requires high production values which previous adaptations never achieved - this film almost overdoes it, as do many Russian actors. But the leading couple is quite convincing, even if they pale within the impressive imagery.

Upon release in Russia, the film was attacked by the Pro-Putin crowd which helped to turn this into the most successful Russian film of the century. It's a miracle it was even released since US-born director Lockshin finished post-production in the States and did not return to Russia after the invasion, which he has frequently condemned. So credit where credit is due, this film is a beacon of creative light in Russia's political darkness.