Based on Boris Savinkov's long-forgotten novel The Pale Horse: Memoirs of a Terrorist, this compelling drama follows the inner angst and covert actions of a terrorist group trying to violently disrupt Tsarist Russia in 1905 Moscow. Georges, the leader, faces the daunting task of trying to coordinate the assassination of a member of the ruling nobility while also struggling with the affections of both the team's explosives expert Erna and a beautiful aristocrat who is part of the society he aims to destroy. Vanya is a student rebel who wants to blow up the old order, acting according to his Christian principles (which, of course, are neither very Christian nor in keeping with the atheist nature of the underground movement), and Fyodor is a hardened anarchist. As might be expected, Murphy's Law slaps this bunch down a few times, yet their tenacity drives them on, despite the various hiccups and hurdles. Karen Shakhnazarov's film brilliantly captures the look and feel of this turbulent era, from the plush luxury of upper-crust drawing rooms to the grimy slums where social and political unrest begin to boil against the Tsarist regime. If the various storylines begin to feel somewhat exaggerated at times, Shakhnazarov nonetheless manages to combine the loose ends for a jolting ending. Anyone with a passion for Russian cinema and/or Russian history is likely to enjoy this. Recommended. (P. Hall)
The Rider Named Death
Kino, 106 min., in Russian w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $29.99, Aug. 2 Volume 20, Issue 5
The Rider Named Death
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