1612 (film)

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1612
Image:1612 movie poster.jpg Promotional movie poster for the film
Directed by	Vladimir Khotinenko
Produced by	Nikita Mikhalkov
Starring	Michał Żebrowski (Poland) Mikhail Porechenkov Violetta Davydovskaya Ramon Langa (Spain) Artur Smolyaninov Marat Basharov
Release date(s)	November 1, 2007
Country	Russia
Language	Russian
Budget	$12,000,000

1612 is the title of a Russian historical fantasy film about Time of Troubles and the Polish-Muscovite War. It was directed by Vladimir Khotinenko and produced by Nikita Mikhalkov. The movie was released on November 1, 2007 to coincide with the celebrations of the National Unity Day on November 4 that marks the expulsion of Polish-Lithuanian troops from Moscow.

1 Plot
2 Historical accuracy
3 Controversy
4 External links

[edit] Plot

The plot is centred around attempts of subduing Moscow by foreign military powers and the Vatican in the period of instability and anarchy that was characteristic of the 'Time of Troubles.' The protagonist, Andrey, was a servant at Boris Godunov's court while he was a boy. Now, ten years later, he travels over Russia with a Spanish nobleman Alvaro Borja. After Borja is killed by robbers, Andrey disguises himself as his dead master and pretends he is a Spanish prince. He goes through series of adventures in quest for princess Xenia Godunova, a daughter of Boris, who was taken prisoner. His story is set against the background of the Polish-Lithuanian intervention and the ensuing power struggle.

[edit] Historical accuracy

According to some critics, "most of the history [in the film] has been diluted beyond recognition" [1]. The movie takes artistic licence with real events, e.g. contrary to historical facts the Polish troops are not allowed into Moscow. The historic battle of Moscow (1612) was in fact a Polish attempt to reach the Polish garrison in Moscow with supplies, which the latter lacked. In another departure from historical events, Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky who were instrumental in organizing the popular uprising that led to the liberation appear only briefly at the movie's conclusion[2].

[edit] Controversy

The film was met with tepid reviews and comparisons to Soviet propaganda [3]. Questions were raised about the alleged antipolonism of the movie, however, the film's director interviewed by the Polish as well as Russian press stressed that the movie is in no way intended to defame the Poles and was made for entertainment purposes as well as to raise awareness of the new holiday among the general public [4][5].

International as well as Russian critics point out that the movie - commissioned by the Kremlin [6] - showcases key ideas being pushed by the Kremlin at a time when it faces parliamentary and presidential elections: the necessity of strong leadership, treacherous foreigners, and the importance of patriotism. The Time of Troubles portrayed in the film is construed to stand for the last decade of the 20th century, when Russia was a weak, anarchic and criminalised state heavily influenced by the USA. [7]. The director was quoted as saying:

It's important for me that the audience feel pride. That they didn't regard it as something that happened in ancient history but as a recent event. That they felt the link between what happened 400 years ago and today.[8].