Sofiya

Russian historical series related to Zoe-Sophia Palaiologina, niece of the last Byzantine Emperor Constantine XI, Palaiologos, and later Grand Princess of Moscow. She was the grandmother of Ivan IV, the Terrible.

The series is well directed and shut and the acting very good. It is recommended to those who are going to see it and do not know who Zoe-Sophia Palaiologina was, to have a look in a history book, or just in Wikipedia, in order to have a basic idea for her and the history they are going to see.

My vote 10/10.

This series is not only absolutely gorgeous and fascinating to look at (not just the costumes, but ALL of the sets and even the make-up -- or the authentic-looking lack thereof) but extraordinarily entertaining, intelligently produced, and beautifully acted. Neither American nor British television (including the BBC) has EVER produced anything half this good.

I don't care about historical accuracy (and I disagree with reviewers who say you need to research the history in order to enjoy this series), but I care very much about historical believability, and there is not a single frame or word or movement that feels like anything but 15th century Russia.

There is much thoroughly believable drama, but not ANY melodrama, which is what sets it miles apart from American and even British productions. It's like a time machine, letting me watch these people living their lives as they really lived them more than 500 years ago. It seems so real and so true that I'm amazed when I remember occasionally that these are 21st-century actors only pretending to be historical persons.

This series is really great and I really enjoyed it but it is much more about ivan iii and his mother with a little bit thrown in about Sofia

I love this series. The scenery is beautiful and the acting is great. It is a very good portrayal of a part of Russian history that I knew nothing about. But the title is Sofia. And she is at best a supporting character. The series focuses much more on the Male characters.

First, I must echo other reviewers-- this is an experience that leaves you longing for more. The plot, complex as it can be, is nevertheless easy to follow and totally engaging. The acting is superb--never did I feel that I was watching "a performance." The characters were far too convincing and complex. The settings capture both the splendor and the squalor of the period.

Do you need to brush up on Russian history first? If you are not familiar with the reign of Ivan III, I suggest watching the series first and learning the facts afterward. Yes, there is much of the epic and the mythic here, but there are also truths transcending accuracy. Critique the historical elements once you have yielded to the world in which the series creates.

Even the subtitles were not bothersome, and unlike many translations, this one was idiomatic and (I think) correct.

Well worth a binge. My sole quibble is that Zoe/Sophia is just too entirely good and "the villain" (unnamed here) just too relentlessly bad. The flaws and virtues of every other character are conveyed, giving the series depth and verisimilitude.

I am no fan or scholar of Russian history, so I was initially reluctant to invest time in the series. Not only did my viewing teach me a lot, however--It made me hungry to learn more.