Russian Ark

Wellspring Media | Release Date: November 29, 2002

7.5	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 49 Ratings

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GilbertGilbertovitchMulroneycakeskiApr 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 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

smijatovDec 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 itsIt 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

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KristianBKSep 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 aFrom 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

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smartmartSep 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, soA 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

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The3AcademySinsFeb 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 imageryRussian 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

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ryancarroll88Aug 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"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

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FadeBlackFeb 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 commercialRight. 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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thexpertoffilmFeb 23, 2014

This film is interesting to say the least. And to say the most. This films has left me satisfied, yet I want more. Okay, let me explain. I thought this film was going to be so cool. A movie about two amnesiacs wandering the halls of an artThis film is interesting to say the least. And to say the most. This films has left me satisfied, yet I want more. Okay, let me explain. I thought this film was going to be so cool. A movie about two amnesiacs wandering the halls of an art museum? In one take?! I thought this was going to be awesome. But, it's literally that. Two guys wandering around an art museum. In one take. This film had so much potential, but it was just boring. But I still watch it, hoping that someday, maybe I'll like it. Because I really, really want to like it.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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Potarto72Dec 21, 2014

Russian Ark is a film where the camerawork has to be established before discussing the film in depth. Russian Ark is 90 minutes long, and consists of a single camera shot. One shot lasting 90 minutes, completed in 3 attempts, gliding throughRussian Ark is a film where the camerawork has to be established before discussing the film in depth. Russian Ark is 90 minutes long, and consists of a single camera shot. One shot lasting 90 minutes, completed in 3 attempts, gliding through hundreds of rooms in the Russian State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, with over 2000 intensely decorated and choreographed extras completing their parts and not missing a single beat. So much preparation, so much grueling design work, and so much passionate effort went into this film -- how could I not honor the cinematography for not only achieving something nearly impossible, and achieving it with such a gracefully gliding steadicam, but also making this masterpiece of a film stand out to the public, and get its message heard? The film is also shot from the point of view of an invisible man, visible only to a wandering figure who guides him through the museum. They step seamlessly in between time periods, indicated by radical changes of decor and costume, as well as appearances of Catherine the Great, Peter the Great, and other famous Russians. It's like a tour of Russian History (which is essentially the purpose of the Hermitage Museum itself), only instead of viewing it all in basic moving pictures, you float through the fabric of time like a celestial feather. That's right, Art House films. Deal with it.
Every set piece is so immaculate, gorgeous, and convincing that it feels like stepping into a time machine. The imagery and the cinematography are woven to make you feel like what happens on screen is not only real, but that you were there when it happened. No film has ever felt so liberating to me. This is an experience like no other. Everyone should get a chance to feel the magic of Russian Ark before the day they die.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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