Rasputin

Allen Rickman decided to become Rasputin. He did a lot of research, introspection and study. I fear for his soul. Historically as accurate as it could be, there are flights from and to events which are poetic license. Rasputin was an original, not a Barnum, nor a John the Baptist. The time in Russia from 1907 to 1917 was a catastrophe of Greek proportions. Masses were shot, murdered. The White Russians rebelled against the Communists and they had a war which rivalled the brutality of the Great War. Finally Lenin died and Stalin took over for thirty years of murder, failed five year plans, and total war against the Germans. Was Czarism really that bad?

I saw this film because of my love for Russian history and because I am a fan of Nicholas and Alexandra and I continue to rent it because the film never ceases to amaze me.

Alan Rickman is well cast as the maniac monk who becomes a major influence over the Tsar (Ian McKellen) and his wife (Greta Scacci). Ian McKellen gives a stunning performance as Tsar Nicholas II. Greta Scacci is wonderful as Tsarina Alexandra Fyodorovna.

There's only one problem with this film. It focuses too much on Nicholas and Alexandra and not enough on Rasputin like the title of the movie says. Nonetheless, it's a wonderful film and should be seen by every high school world history class and history buff.

OK, you can look at this film in two ways - either as a good play, or as an historical drama. It works both ways, although my main quibble would be that one is left with little real idea of why the revolution took place and what Rasputin's role in this was. For that reason, it could have done with being a bit longer and more detailed. Rickman plays Rasputin with humour and humanity - not the one-dimensional monster of most other films about him, which is a good thing from both a dramatic and historical point of view. Ian McKellen as Nicholas II has sweetness and dignity although he is probably too old for the role, and the scenes where he almost loses his temper are (historically) highly improbable! I have no problems with Greta Scaachi's acting, but from a historical point of view her portrayal of the Empress is altogether too vulnerable and lacking in fight; and why the German accent in certain scenes!?

I doubt there will ever be a film that pleases all of the various fans/critics of Nicholas and Alexandra, Rasputin and the Russian revolution; this one is better and less sensational than most.

For once, after all the nonsense written and shown about the infamous Grigori Rasputin, this film makes an excellent effort at accuracy and objectivity. The characters look incredibly like the historical people they play: Alexis (The heir and narrator), the Tsar (Masterfully played by Ian Mc Kellam), the four daughters; unfortunately, the character of the Empress, Alexandra, is terrible; not only does she not look like her but portrays none of Alexandra's personality (Unlike the excellent job done by Janet Suzman in Nicholas and Alexandra). The movie is breathtaking in its on-location shots, especially St. Petersburg and the interiors of the palace. With so much effort put into accuracy, though, I don't understand how, with the climax of the film, Rasputin's murderers are incomplete: it was not just Felix Yussupov but the Tsar's nephew and favorite, Grand Duke Dmitri, who pulled off the killing. This movie completely excludes Dmitri. Still, if the viewer is just looking for an above average account of the strangest period in history (Without looking TOO close), this movie will do the trick.

Rickman's Rasputan is not only scary, but at times funny. The story of the downfall of the Russian Kingdom and the man and the myth that was Rasputan is now one of HBO better movies. The production value of this made for cable movie is better than most box office duds that try to call themselves period pieces. Rasputan rivals Reds with a better story of the Russian peoples struggle during World War 1 and the start of communist (Soviet)control. Alan Rickman carries the movie as the star of the film. His character acting surpasses other great actors such as Al Pacino and Tim Curry. Without talking, Rickman's use of his eyes create a Rasputan more horrific than any other adaptation to date. A great movie with a powerful ending.