Russian Ark
Director: Aleksandr Sokurov
Actors: Sergey Dreyden, Mariya Kuznetsova, Leonid Mozgovoy
PlotIn this visually captivating exploration of Russian history, an unnamed narrator finds himself mysteriously transported to the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. Guided by a cynical French aristocrat, the narrator traverses the palace's grandiose corridors and opulent chambers, witnessing various significant events from three centuries of Russian history. Each room they enter reveals a different era and scene, featuring figures like Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, and Nicholas II, as well as ordinary citizens, artists, and courtiers. The narrator and his guide immerse themselves in these vignettes, which seamlessly flow from one epoch to another, all within the confines of the majestic palace.
As they move deeper into the labyrinthine structure, the journey becomes a meditation on culture, art, and the essence of Russian identity. The guide often expresses disdain for Russian customs and praises European refinement, provoking a complex dialogue about national pride and cultural influence. The setting remains fluid with the two observers encountering grand balls, intense performances, and intimate moments frozen in time. With each scene unfolding in a single continuous shot, the narrative lays a mesmerizing tapestry that captures the ephemeral beauty and tragic weight of Russia's historical legacy.
Writers: Boris Khaimsky, Anatoli Nikiforov, Svetlana Proskurina
Release Date: 19 Apr 2003
Runtime: 99 min
Rating: Not Rated
Country: Russia, Germany, Japan, Canada, Finland, Denmark
Language: Russian, Persian
Home Video Reviews
A bravura technical and artistic masterpiece, 'Russian Ark' seamlessly intertwines 300 years of Russian history in an artistically potent single 96-minute shot.
Read our review of Russian Ark Blu-ray Русский ковчег Russkiy kovcheg to find out more