10 TV series that will help you get to know the history of Russia better

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

Historical films and TV series have always been popular with viewers. And this is not surprising, since even in the presence of artistic fiction, the atmosphere of the time is always present in them. Certain inaccuracies distinguish feature series from documentaries, making them more attractive, action-packed and dramatic. In our today's selection, the best TV series are presented that will help the viewer refresh their knowledge of the history of Russia and, perhaps, even fill in some gaps.

"Sofia", 2016, director Alexey Andrianov, screenwriter Elena Rayskaya

The creators of the mini-series tried to show Russia in the 15th century as seen by her grandmother Ivan the Terrible and the last heiress to the Byzantine throne Zoya Palaeologus, who received the name Sophia in Russia. Zoya was assigned a role to strengthen the influence of the Catholic Church, but she, having arrived in the "country of barbarians", unexpectedly and irrevocably took the side of her husband, the Russian prince Ivan III. In addition to many decorations that reproduce the historical appearance of the Moscow Kremlin and the Assumption Cathedral, the series' props were able to collect antique dishes and utensils of that time, and coins for the shooting were minted directly from the original gold ducats.

"Ivan the Terrible", 2009, director Andrey Eshpai, screenwriters Alexander Lapshin and Anastasia Istomina

The series fully recreates and shows the life of one of the most controversial Russian tsars, Ivan the Terrible. This narration will not give the viewer an answer about what lies at the root of the actions of the ruler, who is called the most cruel in Russian history, but for some reason it will make him feel sympathy for the king and try to understand him.

Godunov, 2018, directors Alexey Andrianov and Timur Alpatov, screenwriters Ilya Tilkin and Nikolay Borisov

Despite the existing historical inaccuracies, the series turned out to be rich, vibrant and atmospheric. The assessments of viewers and critics of this film are rather ambiguous, but it is undoubtedly worth watching the history of Boris Godunov's ascension to the throne and the story of the events that took place after his election.

"The split", 2011, director Nikolai Dostal, screenwriters Nikolai Dostal and Mikhail Kuraev

The creators of this series managed to shoot a very high-quality sound movie. A careful attitude to historical material, the absence of flirting with the viewer, cliches and vulgarity, an amazing acting and a truly jewelry director's work make "The Split" one of the best and most reliable historical films of recent times.

"Peter the Great. Testament ", 2011, director Vladimir Bortko, screenwriters Igor Afanasyev, Vladimir Bortko, Daniil Granin

The series was filmed based on the novel "Evenings with Peter the Great" by Daniel Granin, and as a result, it became a kind of revelation for many. Here Peter the First is very different from the established image of a strong, strong-willed and even somewhat ruthless person. The creators of the series showed, first of all, the degree of responsibility and loneliness of Peter the Great, his attitude to his own life in the context of love for Russia.

"Ekaterina", 2014, directors Alexander Baranov and Ramil Sabitov, screenwriter Arif Aliyev

Viewers lamented the series' lack of historical accuracy, while critics drew attention to the apparent economy on props and wigs. But both of them agreed that "Ekaterina" came out thanks to the brilliant play of only two actors: Yulia Aug and Alexander Yatsenko. It was they who seemed to shade other actors, made them look at everything that was happening with different eyes. In fact, this is a historical drama about strong women and weak men.

"Mikhailo Lomonosov", 1986, director Alexander Proshkin, screenwriters Leonid Nekhoroshev and Oleg Osetinsky

In this series, you can also find several historical inaccuracies, but it most accurately and truthfully shows the very personality of the Russian genius Mikhailo Lomonosov. And the history of Russia in the 18th century is seen through the prism of his life and work. In the series, from the very first frames, the viewer is immersed in the atmosphere of the time when the Great Man was born, grew up and took place.

"Great", 2015, director Igor Zaitsev, screenwriters Sergei Yudakov, Alexey Gravitsky and Sergei Volkov

Another story about the life of Catherine the Great. The series uses diaries and memoirs, including those of the queen herself. Some historical inaccuracies here are compensated for by a fascinating plot, palace interiors, where the shooting took place, vivid characters and a general atmosphere that conveys the spirit of that time.

"Secrets of Palace Revolutions", 2000-2011, director Svetlana Druzhinina, screenwriters Svetlana Druzhinina and Pavel Finn

Svetlana Druzhinina's cinematic epic once became a real event in Russian cinema. The creators managed to tell fascinatingly and vividly about one of the most difficult periods of Russian history. The narration turned out to be very bright and eventful. And even historians call the series a masterpiece, where historical accuracy and the people who made the history of Russia are in the first place.

"Stolypin. Unlearned Lessons ", 2006, director Yuri Kuzin, screenwriters Yuri Kuzin and Eduard Volodarsky

Some protraction and the historical inaccuracies made by the creators, nevertheless, do not spoil the overall impression of the series, which tells about a strong personality, reformer and descendant of an old family Pyotr Stolypin. He is in constant search of his own, special way for the development of Russia, but his methods lead to the emergence of very powerful enemies.

The filmmaking industry is moving forward, and it has hardly been prevented by the coronavirus pandemic, which has changed the lives of people around the world. Filmmakers continue to work on new projects, and the audience can only wait for exciting new items to appear on the screens.