Admiral

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.

romanticism, good acting, wise script, history's respiration, great atmosphere. a film who seems be perfect for a large target. because it has coherence and rhythm and moral questions and Chekhov's universe drops. it is a blockbuster. and that fact could not be a real surprise. for a part of viewers, for who Kolchak is a hero not only for his political position, for the last sacrifice and for the status of lover, but for its impressive career as explorer, the film is only a sketch. for the fans of old films, the meeting with Nikolay Burliav, as the Tsar , is a real surprise. a film about war and love and feelings. about the change of society. and about values. that is all. but the manner used does the difference from many other films with same subject.

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.

Just a small correction, the filming of 'Admiral' took place before 'Irony of Fate 2'. So, Khabensky and Boyarskaya duet originally was born during production of 'Admiral'.

Liza is a young actress, but she increases her actor's skills and abilities from film to film. 'Irony...' required another significance of role. And I think, the aim was attained - new heroine became modern, interesting and attractive for up-to-date public.

A lot of excellent actors got only few seconds role in 'Admiral', but they used this time terrifically !

And for summing up, 'Admiral' is a great movie which should be felt deeply and only after that - scrutinized.

The film focuses on the love story between Admiral Kolchak and Anna Timiryova, in the context of the tragic events of the Russian revolution and civil war. And rightly so, the main feature is the love story, while history is left to the background.

It also does not focus on the life of Anna Timiryova after Kolchak's death - she has been arrested six times and spent long years in the Gulag. But she always remembered the two tragic years when she had been able to be with her lover.

The lyrics of the theme song are one of Anna Timiryova's poems. Unfortunately a film cannot focus on poetry, but it should be remembered that the Timiryova's poems have been compared the the poetry of Boris Pasternak.

And Boyarskaya really shows that she understood the tragism of Timiryova's fate.