The Russian Five

The best sports documentary (film, not TV show) I've ever seen.

I grew up in Denver and remember these years, the best years in hockey in my opinion. Die hard avs fan that has always hated the red wings but respected them. I respect them even more after seeing this film. Had me on the verge of tears towards the end.

It's not unusual for a sports documentary to allude to the values or politics of a community, but it is rare for one to explore both global political themes as thoroughly as it immerses itself in the local tribalism of sports. This film unfolds a specific corner of the picture of the Cold War through the journeys of five men who left the Soviet Union to play hockey in North America. We find out about the risks they each took and the people who risked political and professional threats to bring them to the other side of the Iron Curtain

The producers of this film have a great deal of access to the players themselves and the American team officials that brought them to the US, so we get the story told in their own words as well as views of contemporary news coverage and the players' North American team mates. We get to see the events and recall the emotions of the era and we have the perspective of history to see their lasting impact on the game of hockey.

This movie has a lot for fans of the Detroit Red Wings, but any fan of the NHL or international hockey will likely find the story riveting

Having been a lifelong fan of the Wings, I lived through the disappointing 70's and 80's, and this documentary brought back a lot of memories of continued disappointment and finally the elation of the team finally coming together to end the 42 year drought.

With many interviews of the players who made the dream a reality, and showing the tragedy that befell after the cup win, it is well made and emotional.

I would recommend this to any hockey fan, and obviously it's a must see for any Detroit Red Wings fan.

Grew up in So.Cal. Hockey wasn't something I grew up with. Don't really know the game but I've always liked the action of it and the skill. This documentary was SUPERB. Very creative with the cartoon sketching "injections." Provides a great "lesson" on that period and so, so very heartfelt regarding the team members and what they experienced. The heart of the movie! If only more documentaries were like this!!!!