Russian Ark

Name: Russian Ark
Genre: Drama, History, Fantasy
Released: November 29, 2002
Duration: 99 min
Rating: 87

2002

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 32 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 49 Ratings

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7.5

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7.5	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 49 Ratings

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Movie Details & Credits

Wellspring Media | Release Date: November 29, 2002 | Not Rated

Summary: A unique panorama of the Hermitage, the most famous palace in Russia, now one of the great museums of the world.

Director: Aleksandr Sokurov

Genre(s): Drama, History, Fantasy

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 99 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Wesley Morris

Who most of these exquisitely costumed people are I have no idea, but they brush past the camera in such rapids of jubilation it's a wonder they don't knock the thing over. I watched most of the film exhilarated, but depressed that I'm not a big Russophile. Read full review

100

Roger Ebert

The film is a glorious experience to witness, not least because, knowing the technique and understanding how much depends on every moment, we almost hold our breath. Read full review

100

Deborah Young

Seems destined to go down in film history as a technical tour de force. Read full review

Anthony Lane

By the time of the closing shot -- twists of fog rising like spectres from a leaden sea -- even the most stubborn viewer will be lying back in a state of happy hypnosis. [16 December 2002, p. 106]

J. Hoberman

Dazzling dance to the music of time. Read full review

Elizabeth Weitzman

A technical and visual tour-de-force. Read full review

Phil Hall

Little more than a travelogue designed to show off the grandeur of the Hermitage, with the silly actors in fancy costumes getting in the way of the paintings and sculptures on display. Read full review

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User Reviews

GilbertGilbertovitchMulroneycakeski

Apr 11, 2003

Phil Hall, Chad S., Yakov C, Keri No-Last-Initial: you are being so utterly, heartlessly, breathtakingly CRUEL you belong in a David Lynch movie. Russian Ark, it's true, it isn't going to be everyone's cup of char. Unless you know (intimately) andor love Russian history, Phil Hall, Chad S., Yakov C, Keri No-Last-Initial: you are being so utterly, heartlessly, breathtakingly CRUEL you belong in a David Lynch movie. Russian Ark, it's true, it isn't going to be everyone's cup of char. Unless you know (intimately) andor love Russian history, it's going to be dull as ditchwater. Obviously. It's hardly a criticism, more an unfortunate fact of life. But think about that for a second. Its only problem is: it will bore you if you aren't interested. No sh*t, Sherlock. F'crying out loud, it's a ONE TAKE FEATURE FILM! A 96-MINUTE TRACKING SHOT! SO WHAT IF THE SUBJECT MATTER'S VERY VERY NICHE? WHO THE HELL CARES? SOKUROV HAS MADE A FEATURE FILM! IN! ONE! TAKE! THAT'S ABSOLUTELY ASTONISHING! GIVE HIM SOME DAMN CREDIT! (inhales) Right. Sorry. But seriously, either give Sokurov credit for one of the most amazing techincal and personal achivements in cinema history, or go back to torturing small animals. With pliers. And margarine. You cruel, evil bastards.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful

smartmart

Sep 18, 2015

A beautiful feat that has become on of the most acclaimed experimental films of all time. The film takes the viewer on a tour of Russian history through the eyes of a ghostly figure. The entire film was shot in one, long continuous take, so you should probably give the filmmakers someA beautiful feat that has become on of the most acclaimed experimental films of all time. The film takes the viewer on a tour of Russian history through the eyes of a ghostly figure. The entire film was shot in one, long continuous take, so you should probably give the filmmakers some credit, even if you don't personally like the film.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

ryancarroll88

Aug 27, 2010

"Is this a dream?"
"Maybe, maybe. But I'm wide awake."
Director Aleksandr Sokurov takes the idea of admiring St. Petersburg's Hermitage through the eye of a camera, and creates a vast, sprawling dream sequence that feels just like dipping your brain in a vat of icy-hot. As the camera drifts"Is this a dream?"
"Maybe, maybe. But I'm wide awake."

Director Aleksandr Sokurov takes the idea of admiring St. Petersburg's Hermitage through the eye of a camera, and creates a vast, sprawling dream sequence that feels just like dipping your brain in a vat of icy-hot. As the camera drifts through corridor after corridor, the setting constantly shifts - in one room you will encounter the director's friends admiring a painting, while in the next room Catherine II is teaching children how to properly curtsy (not to mention a carpenter in a closet making coffins for WWII cavalry). At the helm of this mad tour is the strange guide, who appears out of thin air and constantly judges every detail, from the art to the museum guests. It's hard to know for sure whether he is a figment of our imagination, a phantom, or, as the narrator suggests, a symbol for Europe's constant patronization for Russian art and culture; whatever he represents, Sergei Donstov gives an eccentric performance well worth remembering. However, if classical art isn't your thing, and you won't be won over by decadence or ethereal camerawork, 'Russian Ark' probably doesn't have much to offer you. But then my question is why are you watching movies?… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

KristianBK

Sep 24, 2014

From a technique of filming rarely seen on screen to the brilliant idea of wandering in history of a country, in this case Russia. This film is an achievement that should be more recognized. Wonderful acting by a lead character, who is a wandering ghost, who is at the end of the film soFrom a technique of filming rarely seen on screen to the brilliant idea of wandering in history of a country, in this case Russia. This film is an achievement that should be more recognized. Wonderful acting by a lead character, who is a wandering ghost, who is at the end of the film so overwhelmed by everything that he refuses to leave with the narrator, who is also a ghost. Even with all the mistakes made in the film, it's a marvelous experience. A very, very beautiful movie with one of the best endings ever in film history. There is just something about leaving the Hermitage with the crowd and then fading back to the sea, to continue sailing forever.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

The3AcademySins

Feb 12, 2020

Russian Ark is simply unforgettable. Thats a bold word to use for a post-modern experimental art film about Russia, but man is it an apt word. The technological achievements of a 90 minute one shot take are breathtaking to behold. The imagery is powerful and somehow manages to capture theRussian Ark is simply unforgettable. Thats a bold word to use for a post-modern experimental art film about Russia, but man is it an apt word. The technological achievements of a 90 minute one shot take are breathtaking to behold. The imagery is powerful and somehow manages to capture the soul of a nation through its death and rebirth. The acting is a little off at times, but everything else more than makes up for it. If you like experimental movies, this is a must-see. If you've never seen an experimental international film before, this is a great place to start.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

smijatov

Dec 20, 2010

It is an experiment that has rarely been put up on screen before. Not only is it trying to challenge our notion of film-making by having one continuous shot, but it also is trying to challenge our understanding of Russia, its history and its great figures. It also has an extraordinary focusIt is an experiment that has rarely been put up on screen before. Not only is it trying to challenge our notion of film-making by having one continuous shot, but it also is trying to challenge our understanding of Russia, its history and its great figures. It also has an extraordinary focus on art and the hand of the director is invisible yet very tangible at the same time. Surely, there is no plot, and there is no 'action' in the film - but that is the beauty of it, as well.
It is something one should watch and cherish for its accomplishments, not judge for the lack of other film elements - when you have a film like 'Russian Ark' one can only surrender to the auteur director and be taken away to another world. A world of Russia as part of the East and West, while at the same time being neither one.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

FadeBlack

Feb 7, 2017

Right. So 10/10 on the costumes, and for the dedication and planning of that camera shot, but for me the most important thing in a movie is its story and characters. And in that sense, it was not so much a movie, as an overly long commercial for the Winter Palace. Unless someone is aRight. So 10/10 on the costumes, and for the dedication and planning of that camera shot, but for me the most important thing in a movie is its story and characters. And in that sense, it was not so much a movie, as an overly long commercial for the Winter Palace. Unless someone is a dramatically passionate fan of Russian history, I can not possibly imagine how this could have been engaging in any way. Yes, beautiful art, beautiful costumes, and I'm sure the Museum is a fantastic experience to visit in real life, but this effort, as interesting as a concept as it was, neither immerses the viewer in the Museum, nor follows an engaging narrative, albeit some attempt at a story was made.

Perhaps I am rating it too harshly, but to me, the definition of a movie is not something abstract and malleable.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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