La fille du capitaine

It's quite a good movie with the vivid characters and a clear-told story. Based on the story Kapitanskaya Dochka by A.S.Pushkin, the movie can be recommended for all those interested both in Russian history and culture. Vladimir Mashkov, Russian sex symbol, plays the part of Pugachev, and, as I see it, he could escape a bit from his image.

It is not Mikhalkov's style Russia, the movie lacks patriotism, Russian officers are not shown to be too brave or smart. I think the Orthodox church would hate it because of the way the priest is shown. It's rather sad story with plenty of violence and blood and that makes the interpretation easier to believe. The most likable character is actually Savelich, he is so honest and devoted to his master, so ready to sacrifice his life, and he is plain funny. Grinev and Masha are children by today standarts, Shvabrin lacks some passion (did Pushkin actually intend for Shvabrin to have so indifferent face ... Shvabrin is after all a passionate person), Pugachev is clearly negative (what does one expect from a substance abuser) but they are all vivid characters, and I recommend the movie to anyone remotely interested in Russian history.

This is just OK. Quite exceptional but far from remarkable interpretation of Pushkin's classic. Mashkov is pretty good in the role of Pugachev. Masha and Grinev are kind of bland though. And it was probably a mistake to cast Makovetskiy as Shvabrin. His stone-cold facial expression was great in "Of Freaks and Men," but here it doesn't fit at all. Overall, the movie looks good as far as the costumes, settings and other historical aspects go, but it lacks something that would really pull you in and make this film a true historical epic. "War and Peace" it ain't. Like it was said by the previous reviewers, if you are interested in Russian culture and history, you should see it. Just don't expect to be blown away.

This is the first Russian post-perestroika movie which managed to survive Hollywood influence and produce a film which is made in Russian tradition but can be shown to American audience. The reason for that, of course, is the novel on which the plot is based. For non-russian readers, this is "Brave heart" set in 18th century Russia during the bloody uprising started by self-proclaimed Russian Tsar Pugachev (real story, tm). For people who have read Pushkin's story -- it's a really good screen adaptation of the novel. They didn't add or remove (as far as I remember) anything, so it will not make you sick, I promise.