DVD Review:1612 (2007)

Apr10

Posted by admin | on 10 April, 11:56 PM

DVD Review:1612 (2007)
Product Description
“Reminiscent of Lord of the Rings” –Sunday Herald

After the brutal slaughter of Tsar Boris Godunov and his family, Russia descends into chaos. Guided by faith and mysticism, Andrey, the only witness to the massacre, transforms himself from servant to cavalier and sets off on a quest to save Princess Ksenia, the missing daughter of Godunov. Andrey joins forces with Prince Pozharski, the people’s army leader, and faces down the Polish army in an explosive, blood-soaked battle for Moscow.

Includes Over 45 Minutes of Behind-the-Scenes Bonus Material:
Making-of Featurette, Photo Gallery

1612 mixes history with mystical and legendary elements,

By Richard J. Brzostek (New England, USA) -
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

1612 takes place during a time of trouble in Russia and is loosely based on history. It could be called the “time of trouble” because a foreign army is occupying the country but also because there isn’t clear leadership to bring them out of the mess. The film doesn’t try to be a strict historical film but an adventure that will capture the hearts of the audience. The movie mixes history with mystical and legendary elements; namely, one reoccurring subject is that of unicorns. Even with that said, I could say with a straight face that it doesn’t go too far with this into fairly tale land as most parts with unicorns are in dreams or visions.

Polish invaders murdered the royal family but the Polish Hetman (Michal Zebrowski) spared the life of Princess Kseniya, whom he loves and sees as a way to become Czar himself. Andrei (Pyotr Kislov), who also loves Kseniya, ends up as a servant and then mercenary of the Polish Hetman, witnessed the murders and makes it his goal to overthrow the invaders and free the Princess. The love triangle between the three is the crux of much of the conflict.

The villains of this story are the Poles, who wear armor with wings giving them the look of angels, but they strike with fierceness that is more demonic than angelic. Interestingly enough, the Polish Hetman is actually a famous Polish actor, which adds a bit to the realism to the film. To some degree this film is anti-Polish in nature and is not entirely historically accurate but we are reminded that this movie isn’t a documentary from time to time by the unicorns. Even with that said, I still think the movie is a lot of fun.

1612 rivals the best historical films in both story and special effects. The action doesn’t slow down between the duels, skirmishes, and sieges. I think 1612 particularly excels in showing cannon warfare, in which there is quite a bit of in this movie. I would say 1612 would get an “R” rating by American standards for showing some nudity and quite a bit of violence that doesn’t spare us the goriness of war.

legend, epic…in a grand tradition,

By Compusurge (New York City) -

Based in history, 1612 tells the true tale, which has now grown into legendary proportion, of the fight for Russia in the early 1600’s after the country fell into choas following the murder of the czar and his family. With a ‘cast of thousands’ portrayal, and mysticism cast throughout, the tale is centered on the saving of a young princess by a young boy. However, the epic battles compete with the best epic battles in film history, and the stunning filming is simply glorious to experience.

If you are a fan of history, this is a spectacular epic to view. If you are a fan of epic battles, this is a must-see experience, from the heated cannonballs to the man-to-man fighting.

1612 was sanctioned by and underwritten by the Kremlin, so important a film it was to be created.

Power to the Medieval People,

By sdpancerni (San Diego, CA) -

1612 is a movie created to generate income. As fantasy, five stars. As history, non-existant.

The producers use the ‘tried and true’ plot of unrequited love, a large army of bad guys, and scrappy ‘peaceniks-turned-warriors’ to save the nation.

Did not have a version with English language subtitles.Translations not necessary. The action is understandable.

As a Pol-Am, I was cheering for the Polacy in every battle. Good to see the Poles as the ‘heavys’.

This is an excellent example of ‘historical fiction’. Good music. Great costumes. Not for children.

Richard P.
Search 1612: Pyotr Kislov, Artur Smolyaninov, Ramon Langa, Mikhail Zhebrovskiy, Violetta Davydovska, Mikhail Porechenkov, Alexander Baluev, Marat Basharov, Valeriy Zolotikhin, Daniil Spivakovskiy, Dmitriy Ulianov, Vladimir Khotinenko: Movies & TV from AmAzon

[asa]B001PCNZEU[/asa]