Moskovskaya saga

I have read Aksionow's "Moscow saga" app. one year ago and I have found this book rather bad, overblown and pretentious (especially pseudo-poetical "interludes") so my expectations about the TV-serial wasn't big, indeed. But, let me say, I'm more then satisfied watching the DVD (now 16th episode). The characters are more likable comparing with book. Action is comprehensible, lot of twists, lot of thrills. Some moments drove me almost to tears. This serial is really must see to all people interested in the cruel history of XX century Russia showing the extreme inhumanity of communism. And when you listen Kristina Orbakaite singing wonderful song "Tuczi w golubom" ("Clouds in blue") you'll to listen it over and over again.

In 2004, when this TV saga (22 episodes) was released on Russia's 1Channel, it seemed a recipe for success - huge epic drama, in the best traditions of old Soviet dramas, the center of narration is around the large family, The Gradovs, several generations, among whom there are doctors, military officers, politicians, writers and athletes, and all that is in relief against almost 50 years od USSR history, from 1925 to 1970's. The casting was also seemingly excellent, with many great Russian actors taking part, so what could go wrong? IN 2004, the Saga looked fresh and captivating, 14 years later, it seems trite, slow, banal, shallow, poorly performed and very cheaply sold. The whole film was shot very fast so this shows very evidently - the plot seems rushed, and dialog laughable at times, and the whole political background - well, rather cheap. It can be watched once as a curio, and then dismissed.

First of all, the number of voters is very low and I fear that those that rated the series badly are biased, even anti-Russian. Nevertheless, prevailing majority of the voters rated the film 7 and higher. Maybe IMDb should rethink the weighted averages method and revert to simple arithmetic means? One of the most significant faults of Russian films/TV serials is the lack of English subtitles. I understand Russian of the old soviet movies quite well, but have enormous problems understanding modern, quickly spoken language. The Russians will have to do something about it because many excellent creations go unnoticed. Very small number of people outside of Russia and ex-Soviet republics understand Russian. Due to this fact American distorted Goebelsian clichés about Russia still prevail: the Russians are either bad renegade generals, who want to attack poor unprotected America, or disgusting tycoons and prostitutes. This simply is not and was not so.

Moskovskaya Saga doesn't get enough credit. It is such a touching movie. I have watched it over and over and it never gets old. The actors, from the big actors with huge roles (Solomin, Chyrikova, etc) to the ones who play very small roles, are amazing. You find yourself sympathizing with everyone (well, mostly everyone)from the first minute of the film and worrying for your favorite character. There is love, death, drama, romance, action, and everything you could ever want in a movie all put into one. If possible, I would give it an 11 out of 10 because it's so good! Everyone, both Russian speakers and non-Russian speakers should watch this.