Admiral

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 The expanded version is considerably more filling, especially those who enjoy the historical content and a more laid back pace that allows you to absorb.

It is a very extraordinary and powerful film. I was crying several times during the movie like it was me who was suffering. I was deeply touched inside of my heart after I watched this movie. I highly recommend this movie to everyone!!! Too bad there are not many movies like this one. Our kids are growing watching junkie movies and the we are wondering what is going on with younger generation... This movie will make you think about your duty, priorities, life, faith, and too many other important things we never think about in our lives on the daily basis. This movie is about sacrifice for your country (to the highest possible level), military honor (to the very last blood drop), patriotism, intellect, intelligence, love, faith… It is simply an amazing movie that makes you think, tear, laugh...

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.

But if I am still alive

Counter to destiny

That's only as your love

And memory of you

Ana Timireva

"Your smile that I will never forget, your voice, your hands are the symbol of the highest award for me which can give me life for performance of the greatest aim, military idea, debt and the obligations sent by the severe and unshakable nature of war…" These words full of love, emotions and fear to lose his beloved woman were written by Admiral Kolchak to Anna Timireva. She was a married woman with a son, he had wife and son too. Anna was younger than Admiral in 19 years but love does not have borders and they both understood it. He wasn't the handsomest of men and besides he was a soldier and patriot dedicated to the army and to the country. But she was the real princess: young, clever and gorgeous. They seemed to be just ordinary people but their amazing love story and tragic destiny made them legends.

"Admiral" is that type of movies that you watch on one breath and when it ends you don't need to speak with your friends and share your thoughts about the film. It is something extraordinary that you keep deep inside your heart. You are nearly crying as if it was your own life and your sufferings. This is the power of that movie. First of all, you will be impressed with the actors' transformation. Konstantyn Habensky as Admiral Kolchak is exactly the man from that epoch. Fearless, brave and strong person with so many contradictions that finally led him to his death. Habensky has previously worked with Elizaveta Boyarskaya in "Irony of Fate 2" but in this picture they are more natural and real as a duet.

Historical dramas are for sure one of the most hardest genre. The duty of actors is to make audience believe that you are that Man or that Woman from specific century and era. In "Admiral" Elizaaveta Boyarskaya did a fantastic job. She did a hundred times better than she did in "Irony of Fate" Maybe it's because "Irony" was just a sequel of the famous Soviet film. But Anna in "Admiral" is definitely her role that she played with fidelity and grace.

I also want to say few words about the music. The original score is fantastic. And the title song "Anna" which was a poem written by Anna Timireva and dedicated to Kolchak sounds so touching. Just listen to it and you will understand how strong this woman were. Singer Victoria Dayneko performed it perfectly and her voice is amazing.

Admiral was killed in February 7, 1920. Anna Timireva spent most of her life in prisons and camps. She died in 1975. As she said she had been with Admiral only for two years. But she never stopped loving him even after his death.

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!!!