Siberiade | 
| Director: Andrei Konchalovsky
Actors: Natalya Andrejchenko (ii), Sergei Shakurov, Vitali Solomin, Vladimir Samojlov, Konstantin Grigoryev
Studio: Kino Video
Buy New: $38.90
New (5) Used (7) Collectible (1) from $11.95
Rating:  11 reviews
Sales Rank: 41997
Format: Black & White, Color, Ntsc
Languages: English (Subtitled), Russian (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: VHS Tape
Number Of Items: 2
Running Time: 206 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.9
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 4.2 x 2.1
ISBN: 6303196527
UPC: 738329007980
EAN: 9786303196527
ASIN: 6303196527
Theatrical Release Date: 1979
Release Date: June 27, 2000
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
| |
| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
This ambitious 1979 Russian film attempts no less a feat than the encapsulation of the tumultuous history of Russia in the 20th century. Written and directed by Andrei Konchalovsky (Runaway Train, Tango and Cash), the film weaves an engrossing tale of three generations of two Russian families in the remote region of Siberia, each trying in their own way to find fulfillment in their lives as they seek to reconcile themselves with the ever-changing landscape of their homeland. Sandwiched between the chaotic events of the First and Second World Wars, as well as the Russian Revolution of 1917, the people of the small village find themselves at the cusp of great changes, from communications to the expanding infrastructure and the changes that brings, to the discovery of oil and the riches and perils that come with it. Konchalovsky juxtaposes archival footage with stunning cinematography and contrasts the assaultive changes of the modern world with the timeless impulses of family and the enduring need to adapt and survive. Reminiscent of such great films as Giant and 1900, Siberiade is a visually adept and stunningly effective epic about the price of a country's history on its people. --Robert Lane
|
| Customer Reviews: Read 6 more reviews...
exquisite, catchy September 3, 2007
C. Andriciuc
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
A breathtaking story written with humor, love and class. It keeps you alert and interested all over the four hours of action. Successfully blends private stories into a more general context. A Russian and more sensitive Forest Gump.
wow June 28, 2007
a reader (Gloucester MA USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
If only 9 reviews is an indication of how many get to see this film it is a real shame and roll over dr shivago if that's all people think of in terms of a russian epic.Initially a slow start but the film keep rolling and getting bigger and deeper the more it went on.Mind-blowing,moving-Its really great and you got to see it...
Oh, to be exiled to this Siberia! October 10, 2003
Kelly L. Norman (Plymouth, MI United States)
16 out of 16 found this review helpful
Once one gets past the required Marxist dialectic ("rich people bad, poor people good"), there is nothing less than splendid about this Soviet film. The cinematography alone is breathtaking, and the irony of the more adventuresome characters' constant refrain, "They can't exile you any further than Siberia!" is not lost. The "underdog" family in the film produces men in each generation who shake their fist at their village, rhetorically, and try to get away, but they are always pulled back somehow. As the revolutionary Nikolai says to his young son Alexei, "It's not a good place, but it's the best place for us." The acting is first rate. Grief, loss, hope, and faith are equally represented throughout the film. Most of the actors are more low-key than in Hollywood films (a fact that allows the Siberian woodlands and scenes of village life, as well as stock film of national events, to play out much of the story). But they do not lack passion. Especially touching is a scene of a youngster grieving for his father. The young actor gives a performance beyond his years. The recurrent themes and beautiful scenery and music (folk during the rural scenes, electronic during the sped-up, sepia- tinted stock footage) make the six hours of film very easy to digest. Konchalovsky's Siberiade suggests a cinematic Tchaikovsky symphony, with its alternating poignant romance, pathos, and an ending of hopefulness.
One of the last great Russian historical dramas. August 24, 2003
Vlad (russianwriter.net)
24 out of 26 found this review helpful
Category: Historical drama
Director: Andrei Konchalovsky ("My Name is Ivan" '63, "Tango and Cash" '89, "The Inner Circle" '91,
"The Odyssey" '97, "House of Fools" '03)
Year: 1979
Running time: 206 min (2 tapes)
Rating: R (violence, sexual content)
Grade: A
Starring: Vitaly Solomin, Sergei Shakurov, Nikita Mikhalkov, Ludmila Gurchenko
Winner of 1979 Cannes Film Festival (Special Jury Prize)
My point: One of the last great Russian historical dramasOver 6 decades of the history of the great Russian land and the country USSR through the lives of two families in a small Siberian village. Two opposite families: Ustuganins, the pure ones; and Solomins, the rich ones. The story of life, love, betrayal, happiness and pain.
This film is very long and very slow. Cinematography is excellent, but it doesn't bother you... it is only helping you to get into the story and the beauty of the Russian land.
If you love good films, if you are interested in history and Russia? A must se.
"Vlad"
Extraordinary February 11, 2003
Nan (USA)
10 out of 11 found this review helpful
I saw this film in Madrid, in 1979... in Russian with Spanish sub-titles and at the time I spoke no Russian and hardly any Spanish. But no matter, it instantly became my all time favorite movie. I saw the original 6 hour version in two evenings... and it wasn't a minute too long. The main "character" is really the natural splendor of Siberia.... it is a visual jewel. I have since seen cut versions... at various film festivals... the 4 hour version, and the 3 hour version. I long to see the full 6 hour version again. Worth every minute.
|
|
|
