Ilya Muromets: (1956)

A Review

Two reviews in one day, don’t say I don’t spoil you all rotten, now on with the review!

Recap:

Based on beloved Russian folk epics (byliny), Ilya Muromets follows Russia's greatest legendary hero as he sets out for Kiev to warn Prince Vladimir of the savage Tugar invaders burning villages and trampling harvests. Along the road he performs extraordinary feats — yet treacherous boyars turn the prince against him, and Ilya is thrown into a dungeon. With the enemy striking harder than ever, only one man can save the realm.

My Thoughts: (Spoilers)

Remember in the fifties American filmmakers would make all those epic historical, biblical, and mythic films. From The Ten Commandments, to Ben-Hur, Spartacus, etc. (That last one was from the 60s technically) but you get my point. Well, Russia had their answer: Ilya Muromets, a Russian historical/folktale epic filled with action, daring, romance, comedy, drama, treachery, and heroism.

The main lead was especially good. A daring yet kind hulk of a man. He has a very strong screen presence and charisma to boot. His romance with the maiden Vassilisa gets just enough screen time and you buy the actors’ performances so much that you can believe they’re in love. And there’s even some their son being raised by the enemy Tsar Kalin to fight against the Rus, his own people and father and son have a joust outside of Kiev, but the father finds out who he’s fighting before any permanent damage. To top it all off with a thrilling concluding fight with a three-headed serpent/dragon and this film is one for the books.

In Conclusion:

Russian cinema is starting to grow on me. I think next I will look at Russian/Soviet Animation. I remember watching one about a rabbit gathering food for his family when I was younger, so I’ll see if I can find it and I’ll be sure to share it.

Take care everyone, thanks for reading and I’ll see y’all later. Bye! Bye!