Turetskiy gambit

Yes, it is true that most of the people think that this movie contains too many visual effects, but this is not completely true. It seems so, because most of the watcher actually do not expect that from a Russian movie. But let me clarify where did they get the effects from. Most of the strange and a little bit animation scenes are taken from the Panorama of the Pleven Epopee - this is a monument of the Pleven Siege, which is the overturn in the Russo-Turks War(1877-1878). And about the monument - in there are the battle scenes and everything is made from wax and seems pretty much real. Because about 10 000 soldiers and citizens of Pleven have died in a small valley - about 2 square km surface. So, I see this movie as a modern admission of what had been done before - and of course paying salute to the tremendous people, who have been fighting for ideas.

Folks, this is the epic to look out for at international movie festivals! I have had the opportunity to see this on big screen, in full sound- and was blown away! Though I couldn't understand everything, the action within the film was clear enough to make the general plot understood. Though it is not an American film- it has authentic period costume, fantastic cinematography, and in my opinion has met or surpassed special effects of such films as the Braveheart, Lord of the Rings, and the Matrix. Of course, it probably won't get the recognition it deserves in North America, as it isn't a home-grown... but it is well worth the trip to the theatre to see it if is ever in town... I'm going to see it for at least another 2 times if possible! The only disappointment was the pop-type music for the closing credits... everything else: SUPERB!

It is rare to see a Russian movie made so tasteful and visually appealing. I agree that some special effects were overdone and unnecessary, taking away from the overall appeal of the film, but I really hope an English version could come out so I can see it with the rest of my family. While other users complain of the historical inaccuracies of this movie I do not think this is something people should dwell on too much. This movie is for someone who enjoys a movie with beautiful scenery and gripping effects (when they are appropriate). This is truly the best Russian movie that I have ever seen.

I have to disagree with some of the comments on this movie, judging the movie by some different criteria.

Firstly, the plot line idea of this motion picture is not as irrational as it may appear to some of us. this film was based on a novel that served a purpose to provide its readers a war-romance-conspiracy adventure. It is not very much different from the American "Patriot" story where a greater salad has been composed, with pretty trite issues thrown around. Beside that, to support the illusive reality of the Turkish war presented in this film - we are not very familiar with the general atmosphere during the 19th century wars, but there are things that simply called: War routine. Of course there is blood and gore and death on the front lines of the battles. Surely there is a lot of strategy going on behind the scenes. But even during these climax moments, and mostly in-between those there was always a place for some dramatic drawbacks, singing in the club and even relationships between young Russian soldiers and coffee drinking in Plevna. Wars are not always fought in face to face battles. And a very large part in deciding who wins the fight is the strategy and the information you gather about your enemy. Which was what the story concentrated on. The spies.

Moreover, I did not like the acting. Sometimes it was exaggerated and underplayed in some places. The best acting in this movie on my scale was that of the "Gusar" officer - so typically presenting the character. The leading roles could have been performed better.

And lastly: the sound. What is it with the Russian cinema that I can never get a normal sound feature? They put the theme on top of the dialogues, the battle effects lack intensity, the speech is incomprehensible. When Turkish is spoken, the Russian translation starts after a little delay, which makes it really difficult to hear. They don't mute the environment when it is needed, and the explosion sounds still have the usual echo-shrieking effect. Alas! indeed.

Overall, once the viewer can get himself to connect to the plot, to enter the minds of both the Turkish and the Russian combatants and to merge with the general 19th war atmosphere - it is possible to simply sit back and enjoy this movie as another spy-adventure. Was tempted to give it an 8, but settled on 7.

"Turkish gambit" is the adaptation of the second novel by Boris Akunis in his enormously popular among the Russian speaking audiences series of twelve novels that describe the adventures of a young detective and later, State Councillor, Erast Fandorin. The genre of the novels can be described as historical mysteries set in the Imperial Russia. By the time "Turkish gambit" opens, still very young, Fandorin has gone thru tragic personal loss while investigating a very dangerous global conspiracy (the first novel "Azazel" and the movie of the same title).

"Turkish Gambit" takes place in 1877 during the Russian -Turkish War. After running out from the captivity, Fandorin hurries to the Russian troops to report very important information about the planning attack of enemy. Along the road he meets and becomes acquainted with Barbara, a young girl who travels in a man's clothes to see her fiancé. According to Fandorin's information there is a very dangerous Turkish spy Anvar among the Russian officers who heads a secret operation. Everyone is under Fandorin's suspicion...

Filled with many dynamic action scenes, "Turkish Gambit" is not as elegant and visually interesting as "Azazel" and it lacks the good acting from two young actors playing main characters. I should add that the book itself was not as good as excellent "Azazel" – that's probably why "Turkish Gambit", the movie is rather un-impressive and forgettable entry in the series.

5.5/10