Admiral

An interesting, if flawed, biopic about Alexander Kolchak, Russian admiral during World War I, and after the Russian revolution, leader of the Russian whites during the civil war. I know the Soviet Union ended more than 20 years ago, but I was still surprised to see such a reverent movie about one of the leaders of the Russian whites. For example, the scene where Kolchak takes command of his army with the blessing of the Russian Orthodox Church is told with soaring musing, and without any hint of irony. Story of his romance with the wife of one of his fellow officers adds very little (in fact, probably detracts) from the film. In summary, a generally well made film and with a relatively generous budget, but a bit too reverent and solemn toward its subject.

Soviet cinema provided us with a myriad films on the Russian revolution and Civil War. While many were artistically engaging, all of them had one mission - to portray the Soviet cause as just and right.

Admiral finally gives audiences an opportunity to see the other side of the story in a human way, without the heavy handed political approach of its Soviet counterparts. It gives you a taste of a Russia that was destroyed after the Bolsheviks sealed their grip on the country. A respectable budget and modern technology allows this film to portray a realism that even Soviet cinema at its prime couldn't match. Everything, from battle scenes to tea parties is very much alive. At the same time, cheap Hollywood-isms are avoided, so if you're looking for a steamy sex scene you'll be disappointed.

The 124 minute version of this film suffers from being a bit rushed, with the romantic story taking center stage which obscures other deep elements of the story. The expanded version is considerably more filling, especially those who enjoy the historical content and a more laid back pace that allows you to absorb.

Just a small correction, the filming of 'Admiral' took place before 'Irony of Fate 2'. So, Khabensky and Boyarskaya duet originally was born during production of 'Admiral'.

Liza is a young actress, but she increases her actor's skills and abilities from film to film. 'Irony...' required another significance of role. And I think, the aim was attained - new heroine became modern, interesting and attractive for up-to-date public.

A lot of excellent actors got only few seconds role in 'Admiral', but they used this time terrifically !

And for summing up, 'Admiral' is a great movie which should be felt deeply and only after that - scrutinized.

A hero. And his religion - Russia. A impressive movie, so great, so expansive, so subtle and delicate that any comment is a mistake. The admiral, as new Alexey Nevski and the nasty Bolsheviks, the traitor and the end of beautiful love story. But the real Kolchak is in dark. For be a masterpiece, the film must be for good taste of public. So, the history is only convention. The hero , the elegant lady, few details as bones of a huge story are enough. Therefore, it is difficult to criticize this production. Its strenghts are so numerous that any accusation is ridiculous. The Soviet enthusiasm for great fresco, the Russian way to see the life and the tragedy as atonement are key for images of a world end by an old definition.

Kolchak is just another scum. He made his own GULAG and put in concentration camps about 1000000 people. Не killed hundreds of thousands: only in Ekaterinburg region "whites" killed 25000 civils and POWs. One American (from Red cross) described the situation: "I swear to God, I am not exaggerating! ... In Siberia, the horror and death at every step on a scale that would have shocked the most callous heart... ". Now they are trying to make some sort of "hero" out of murderer, traitor and British agent. They are even trying to show, that he can fell in love with somebody and some morons even think, that it is real "stirring story of love, honour, patriotism and heroism". Pure lie!!!