Aleksandr Nevskiy

Alexander Nevsky (1938) is a brilliant piece of cinematic propaganda. The people of Russia are threatened by two major enemies, the Mongols and the Teutonic Knights of the Holy Roman Empire. In ordered to unite the warring, rival Princes in the Russian Realm, Nevsky takes charge and fights the lesser of two evils (The Teutonics). This influential film was copied many times over and it still holds up to this day. The soundtrack by composer Prokiev and Eisentstein's direction are a sight and sound to behold Many years later, John Milius used many of the movies scenes, set pieces and costumes from this film and incorporated them into Conan.

One of my favorite lines from Conan was taken from this movie. "It's not the strength of the iron in a weapon but the strength of the person that wields it is what matters." The comparisons are unmistakable. The armor that James Earl Jones and the Leader of the Teutonic Knights wear are virtually identical. A true tribute paid from one director to another.

I give Alexander Nevsky one of my highest recommendations. The movie plays like the final Act of Richard III. The presence of Prince Alexander on the screen is truly amazing.

There is a version of "Nevsky" that is shown with a live symphony orchestra, chorus, soloist and the movie. If it's EVER performed within a day's travel of you see "Nevsky" done that way. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic did it with the OKC Canterbury Choir (one of the finest anywhere) a couple of years ago. I think I cried through the whole thing, it was one of the most emotionally powerful movie experiences of my life. I'm listening to "Nevsky" on the radio right now and it still tears me up. There are movies that I love, and classical music pieces I love, but there is no combination I can think of that comes close to the impact of "Nevsky" performed in real time.

Eisenstein's "Alexander Nevsky" was made mostly for propaganda purposes in 1938. It was a reminder to all Russians of their dastardly neighbors (the Nazis) to their west. The film plays on this comparison and several others to a lesser degree. The evil Germanic Teutonic Knights just happen to be of the Christian faith and their religious leaders make for very effective villians. Although Nikolai Cherkasov as Nevsky and Nikolai Okhlopkov as his right-hand man, Vasili, are commanding in their roles, this movie is mainly noted for the final climactic battle between good (the Russians) and pure evil (the Germans). Eisenstein purposely covers the Germans with over-sized helmets so that they're totally devoid of any human facial expressions. On the contrary, the Russian peasants who comprise most of Nevsky's army are portrayed with a variety of emotions and their humanity is not only recognizable but refreshing and appealing to the viewer. When the Teutonic Knights make their charge on the Russian position, the action is fast and furious and it would be difficult to find any other film which stages its action scenes as well as Eisenstein does here. Although a bit dated in the print that I saw (the sound was certainly a bit off) this movie is a must-see for anyone interested in foreign films and especially the Russian cinema during the days of Stalin. The Germans might have thought twice about attacking Russia in 1941 if they had seen this film beforehand. The message was clear back then. In the words of Alexander Nevsky himself: "Do not enter Russia with a sword in your hand." Well, you can't say they weren't warned.

Sergei Eisenstein's "Alexander Nevsky" is a biopic of the famous prince, but when released it was seen as an expression of the growing suspicion of Nazi Germany. Indeed, the battle scenes make the Teutonic Knights - aka the Germans - get depicted as faceless goons who have no qualms about killing anyone. The epic battle scene is probably the most well remembered scene in the movie. It basically says "If you invade Russia, expect the same fate as befell the Teutonic Knights." Hitler didn't heed the warning, and his hoped-for thousand-year Reich only lasted twelve years (the harsh winters didn't help matters).

Understanding that it's a form of propaganda, it's an impressive movie. I wouldn't expect otherwise from Eisenstein. If you're going to teach a course on Russian cinema, you would have to include this one. Excellent movie.

In 1242, Russia in being invaded by two sides: from the orient by the Mongols and from Europe side, by the Germans Teutonic Knights of the Holy Roman Empire. The city of Novgorod is the last free city in Russia. The population, in order to organize the defense of Novgorod and the lands of Russia, calls the Prince Aleksandr Nevsky, who had defeated the Swedish in a previous battle. His successful strategy defeats the Germans, after a great battle on a frozen lake. This movie was made in 1938 due to the threaten of the German to Russia, in a pre-Second World War period. The idea was to make propaganda pro-Russia. However, it is an overwhelming, marvelous, stunning powerful masterpiece. It is amazing the combat scene on the frozen lake. The present generation is very accustomed to special effects, like in the `Lord of the Rings' trilogy, and maybe cannot understand how fantastic is this black and white fight. If the viewer can forget the ideology and watch it as an art, he will certainly be astonished in the end with such a masterpiece. My vote is ten.

Title (Brazil): Alexander Nevsky