Alexander Nevsky [Aleksandr Nevskiy] **** (1938, Nikolay Cherkasov, Nikolai Okhlopkov, Andrei Abrikosov) – Classic Movie Review 7470

The great Russian director Sergei M Eisenstein is on top, brilliant form in this remarkable 1938 Soviet historical epic (set in 1242) that climaxes in Prince Alexander Nevsky (Nikolay Cherkasov), the saint and soldier of the title, defeating the invading force of German Teutonic knights in a battle on the ice at Lake Peipus.

Eisenstein uses all his magical command of sound and vision, particularly in the climactic battle staged to Sergei Prokofiev’s magnificent music score.

Alexander Nevsky was made as timely patriotic tale for its immediately pre-World War Two day, and fulfills its ambition big time. It is truly awesome and inspiring.

Also in the cast are Nikolai Okhlopkov, Andrei Abrikosov, Dmitri Orlov, Vasili K Novikov, Nikolai N Arski, Varvara O Massalitinova, Aleksandra S Danilova, V L Ersbov, Vera Ivasova, Vladimir Yershov, Sergei Blinnikov, Ivan Lagutin, Lev Fenin and Naum Rogozhin.

Alexander Nevsky [Aleksandr Nevskiy] is directed by Sergei M Eisenstein, runs 112 minutes, is made by Mosfilm, is released by Amkino, is written by Sergei Eisenstein and Pyotr Pavlenko, is shot in black and white by Eduard Tissé, is scored by Sergei Prokofiev, and is designed by Iosif Shpinel.

© Derek Winnert 2018 Classic Movie Review 7470

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