Some new Movies

[Chillidog]

there are a couple of new movies that I am interested in seeing (but have not as of yet).

"Last Station" made in 2009

which is an american movie about the last days in the life of Tolstoy. the following is the editorial review of the movie from Amazon.com

Helen Mirren, Christopher Plummer, and James McAvoy lead an impeccable cast in The Last Station, a sweet comedy-drama about the final days of the Russian novelist Tolstoy. Nineteenth-century paparazzi lurk outside of Tolstoy's estate, hoping to snatch a picture of the rumored strife between the world-famous writer (Plummer, The Insider), who's launched an antimaterialist movement, and his aristocratic wife, Sofya (Mirren, The Queen). Also lurking is Tolstoy's aide, Chertkov (Paul Giamatti, Sideways), who despises Sofya and pushes to change Tolstoy's will to prevent Sofya from inheriting the royalties from Tolstoy's books. Into this nest of conflict comes a young secretary, Valentin (McAvoy, Atonement), who idolizes Tolstoy and strives to live by the principles of abstinence and vegetarianism… only to find his purity tested by sensual temptations (including a headstrong young woman played by Kerry Condon of Rome) and an unexpected sympathy for Sofya. Moments of sly comedy keep The Last Station from becoming overly literary. The movie as a whole lacks the emotional punch it reaches for, but every scene is a polished jewel, expertly and passionately crafted by the actors and writer-director Michael Hoffman (A Midsummer Night's Dream), rich with feeling and social detail. Mirren, of course, is superb, with a wonderful portrayal of a woman who can't help turning her genuine passions into a performance that repels her husband. --Bret Fetzer

the other movie is a Russian movie (a remake of sorts) made in 2006 called

Доктор Живаго (Doctor Zhivago)

there is no editorial review for this film on Amazon.com so here is a "cut and paste" to a review posted on Amazon.com by person who has already purchased and watched this film (Olga is this violates some forum rules or infringency rights by me of cutting and pasting this review please remove the following and accept my apologies)

("I saw David Lean's "Doctor Zhivago" when it was first released in 1965 in 70mm. It remained my favorite film for a number of years. I was delighted to see this new 2006, Russian interpretation of the Boris Pasternak novel "Doktor Zhivago". It is truer to the original novel than the David Lean version, though it still diverts from the novel in several places. It does not have as rich a complexity as the original novel, but neither did the David Lean version. It is very different from the David Lean film.

This Russian "Doktor Zhivago" is a magnificent dramatic portrayal of old Russia and the Revolution that shaped Russia for nearly a century. Zhivago is not the "hero" of the David Lean film, he is an intelligent but ordinary man caught up in a tremendous social upheaval. More depth is given to the characters than in the David Lean film. I was especially impressed by the authentic locations, the authentic language and the powerful performances given by the cast. This film shows many of the Russian cultural traditions and mannerisms that were missing from the earlier film. (For just one example, in Russia it is customary to sit down for a few moments before embarking on a long trip.)

It is 8 hours long in 11 parts, originally made as a mini-series for Russian television. When I received the discs I immediately took out the first and intended to watch only the first episode that evening. Four hours later and very tired I finally went to bed, saving the second half of the film for the next day. It was hard to take my eyes off it. I lived in Russia for a year, so I was able to brush up on my language skills. The subtitles are good. The original Russian is deeper, but in film subtitles you can only expect an approximation, fair enough. I recommend it if one wants to see a quality Russian production.")

has anyone yet seen either of these movies? I probably will not get to see them until I am back in the states at the end of this year

[Olga]

Bob, thank you for the information.

I have not seen "Last Station" but I'm very intrigued and, unfortunately, I have not seen Russian TV serial "Doctor Zhivago" either.  Did you watch "Doctor Zhivago" with English subtitles. I'm looking right now in the Internet if I can find it on DVDs.

[Chillidog]

I have not had the chance to view either yet, and probably will not be able to until I get back to the states.

The American movie of Doctor Zhivago with Omar Sharif was one of my father's all-time favorite movies (I had just recently purchased this movie on DVD for my father to give to him either on his birthday in November or at Christmas) now with his passing I will probably just hold on to it. I informed Olya (before my father passed away) that it was one of his favorites. Olya has never seen it (which is understandable)but she is very much interested in seeing this 1965 movie so maybe she will get a little feeling of knowing my father through watching this movie.

So when I saw the Russian version of this Boris Pasternik book, I was instantly interested in purchasing it.
here is a link to the Russian movie Доктор Живаго on Amazon.com and it comes with English subtitles

http://www.amazon.co...268602779&sr=8-9

[Olga]

I saw "Doctor Zhivago" with Omar Sharif and not long time ago I saw a British version of "Doctor Zhivago" directed by Giacomo Campiotti in 2002. I should admit I found both versions to be interesting and worth to see, and Omar Sharif is one of my favorite actors. But honestly very often a particular Russian spirit is lost on Western productions about Russia and such facts as when they use the music that is out of place or when I see the details that out of the time are a little bit disturbing for perception.

Thank you for the amazon link.

I think Olya will like "Dr. Zhivago" with Omar Sharif.

[Buckeye5704]

Thanks for the review and the link Bob.  Its on my wish list.