Legenda No. 17

While this is a biographical sports film, I cannot help but interpret its messages in the broader historical and political context of Russia. Some of the plots and cinematography are a little bit cliché, but the film remains charismatic for introducing audiences domestic and abroad to an exciting sport. Still, my greatest joy watching it derives from treating the film as either an explicit propaganda or an implicit political allegory. On the surface, the film accuses perpetrating bureaucracy under Brezhnev's reign. The film is at least partially honest in revealing the complexity of politics of the ice hockey leagues in the Soviet Union. That said, more merits of the film lie in its depiction of Tarasov, the ice hockey coach. The parallel between Tarasov and Stalin is clear even before a character in this film calls the behaviors of Tarasov "Stalinist." It immediately becomes evident that Tarasov is the true protagonist of the film, while the ice hockey league, subjected to Tarasov, embodies the Soviet Union under the leadership of Stalin. In this film, Tarasov is both respected and feared, but no one dares to overthrow him; instead, the ice hockey league eventually treats Tarasov as a fatherly figure, to whom they attribute their victory. This film also tells a lot about the foreign policy and mentality of Soviet Union. Team Canada seems invincible but is later made known as "not different than others." The childhood bullfight scene, seemingly disconnected and redundant at first, is recycled later to reflect the classic Soviet mind, that Russia was once weak but had huge potential, and that it had to find its own way to navigate through the persecution of hegemonic western countries.

I can't find words how good this movie is. And it's based on the true story about Russian hockey players and the couches. It's not just about hockey. It's about life and unbeatable Russian morale. 10 from 10!

Yesterday I had an opportunity to watch this movie. Even after hearing many positive comments, I was hesitating for a while about watching that since I did not manage to watch very good Russian movies produced lately except the movie "Stilyagi", but my desire to see the movie about the legendary Harlamov took over. I got interested due to the fact that my Dad watched that famous hockey match USSR vs Canada and he told me that was a life-time event when USSR hockey team proved to be the best one in the world. I was not even born then yet, but read about that match and V. Harlamov in particular. Moreover I was very curious to find out more about Tarasov, who was very good coach with his special "hard-to-cope" training routine that brought its fruits. I must tell I was not disappointed and did not feel I wasted my time. Of course I was not impressed by computer effects (this area still leaves to be desired) and some very predictable moments. I still do not like that post-Soviet heritage in the Russian movies when foreigners are shown like stupid and cruel ones (compared to bulls) who then suddenly change to good ones after lessons taught by main character. But I was impressed by acting of Vladimir Menshov whose characters were mainly good guys. I was surprised by Oleg Menshikov, who used to be a good actor but seemed to have lost his acting grip. I must admit in this movie he was good and I believed that Tarasov might have behaved, lived and coached the way Menshikov embodied him. Of course tastes differ so it's better to watch it yourselves. My recommendation? It is worth watching. See you in the movies.

To begin with I would like to tell that I am student from Russia and I've watched a lot of Russian "films" (not sure If that can be called that word, I'd prefer "ads in cinema"). I would like to write a review for those foreighns who would like to watch this film. I really want everyone in the world to watch it, cause it worse it. This film is about the will, will to win, to fight, to play hockey. This film is on the same level with American films, plot is nice, film makes you feel, actors are really nice (it is so unsual for Russian films), there is nothing you can call bad. I am not going to describe the plot or something, but if you want to watch some Russian modern films, you should watch this one, and you will be 100% satisfied.

Russian movie straight out of "MustSee" list! I've watched this movie in cinema... you know, I'm not a big fan of Russian movies, of a ice hockey, BUT it's some story about great people thinking and about "how the big things comes from dreams in reality" Actors playing good! Kozlovski & Menshikov, GREAT JOB! After a movie I've got a feeling like I'm going home after great game of a time, just like I've watched not a movie, but real ICE HOCKEY... The things in movie about soviet system, about sport, about hurt, about politics, it is true, everything! THANKS A LOT! GREAT MOVIE! When I have children, I'll necessarily show them this movie!