The topic of serfdom is very difficult, it is almost new in Russian cinema. And I am pleased that the series 'Liberty' devoted to this topic was successful. The entourage, scenery, costumes, and even the language of the era in which the characters spoke and wrote was amazingly beautiful and accurate. The characters of the series are very alive and recognizable. Also, an attempt was made to show the essence of serfdom through the fate of serf girls Polina Lebedeva and her friend Tatiana. The latter received a free letter by dishonest means, by forgery, at the expense of the freedom of her friend Polina. Tatiana ran away from their estates and tried to arrange her happiness with a devoted notary in love, who committed this most terrible forgery.
Polina is a girl half serf, half a young lady, not adapted to the physical labor of serfs, and after the death of her patron lord, her quiet life ended, the new owners of the estate set her the most severe and unusual for the spoiled lady survival conditions.
It is commendable that the film draws a line of religious life of the Russian estate, the representative of which is a wonderful image of the priest of the local parish of Father Michael and his wife. Monastery life is also fragmented. All this is shown quite correctly, for which the director is especially grateful from Orthodox viewers.
I will also note the acting work of Anton Krylov, who played the role of a young defender and patron of the beautiful Polina Lebedeva - Dmitry Krechetsky. An incomparable performance of the role of Dmitry Andrey Krechetsky’s older brother performed by Vladislav Abashev. Female roles are also well played and in general the cast is well selected.
Thank you for such honest and serious historical work, first of all, to the talented director Dmitry Cherkasov, and all the project participants. We are looking forward to more historical series in the future.
Today I would like to mention a wonderful series 'Free Diploma' (which recently appeared in Russia). An interesting story about the fate of Polina Petrovna Lebedeva, unlike other stories. The series tells how from a young lady Pauline turns into property, which the owner and his family can dispose of as they please, for example, exiled to coal pits or marry against their will to a village peasant. Here you and experiences, and unexpected twists of the plot, and a good performance of actors, which is difficult not to mention, and a wonderful picture, and the whole series in its kind is wonderful. ': Free Letters ' takes us back to a time when freedom was the prerogative of the elect. If suddenly anyone is interested, then “Free Letter” was filmed in the Smolensk region in the estate “Khmelite” – the ancestral nest of Alexander Griboyedov. And to recreate the spirit of that era helped historians. Dancing, etiquette, manners – all from the XIX century – details that are no worse than fingerprints in those days determined the origin of man. To be honest, I really liked the series.
It is quite interesting to watch the actions of the main characters, because conventionally our attention is divided into 3 & #39 camps. The first 'camp' is the story of Polina and Dmitry Krechetsky, this is a key story in the series. The second ' camp' - notary Boris and serf girl Tatiana. And the third 'camp' this is Andrei Krechetsky and possibly his wife (but I think that this man in this series is enough, his own 'camp' and he is not going to share it with anyone). Lovers of something new and lovers of this era I recommend.
Let's move on to the first 'camp '. If anyone is confused, Dmitry is the younger brother of Andrei Krechetsky. A noble military man who immediately imbues himself with sympathy for Pauline, but is forced to fulfill the will of his older brother, who has prepared a completely different scenario for his personal life. Polina and Dmitry is a story of beautiful love. Not love, not imaginary passion, but love. These young people have suffered enormous hardships and the way they are coping makes us follow and empathize with them. And it is their example that makes us not only believe in love, but believe that no piece of paper can set you free, only if your soul is free, you will be free. And that's what the series wins us.
Let's move on to our second 'camp '. Immediately I would like to note the game of Ivan Dobronravov, thanks to Vanya for such a hero Notary Boris is one of the few who knows the secret of Polina’s origin. Assuring the will of Count Golovin, he commits a forgery and instead of the prince's daughter, he writes out his freedom to his beloved Tatiana. Young people leave for St. Petersburg, where they plan to start a new life as husband and wife. Boris is ready to do anything for Tatiana, which leads to the most unpleasant for him and for his favorite consequences. The relationship between Boris and Tatiana shows us how love is only on the part of Boris, since Tatiana and Boris have completely different views on life and how they want to live this life. Tatiana, most of all, wants to escape from the serfs to the ladies, and Boris just wants Tanya to be happy and their family does not need anything. If someone is confused, Tatiana is a serf in the estate of Count Golovin, a friend of the main character, who unexpectedly gets free will and goes to the capital of the empire, where she struggles to join the local society. I would also like to note that Tanya and Boris are people from completely different estates. Tanya does not know how to read, write, she worked all her life and does not know how to behave in society, how to communicate, what to say, unlike Boris, who is trained in this. But despite this difference, nothing stops them from loving each other. But Tanya forgets about Boris, obsessed with her dream of becoming a local lady. I would like to quote the words of the director of this picture - Dmitry Cherkasov: 'Boris commits a crime solely in the name of love, no material motives, no greed. He just loved this woman and tried to give her the best. Gradually he goes to death, and he is incredibly sorry. This is a character from the works of Dostoevsky' That's right. It is a shame to see how far blind love can lead a man. I want to shout: TANYA THINK! Look! But, alas. The last thing I will say about them: “On someone else’s misfortune, you can not build your own happiness.” 39
Andrey Krechetsky we left for last, as well as sweet. Because, well, you've seen him, what his eyes are, okay, that's the girl in me talking. Andrei is a neighbor and the worst enemy of Alexei Golovin, who, after manipulating his inheritance, takes possession of the estate of the count and his serfs, including Polina. He sets strict rules in the estate. Doubtful, vengeful, self-serving and indulgent, Krechetsky persistently seeks Polina, but refuses to give the girl free. Habitual to achieve their deception, intrigue, and sometimes direct physical violence. The hero is so ambiguous. He appears at the very beginning and the motives of Andrew’s actions are completely incomprehensible to the last. But due to the early death of his father, Andrew had to grow up early and take over the family and upbringing of his younger brother, whom he considers his son. Andrew behaves like a child who is used to achieving his goals in any way. If Andrew wants something, he gets it. That's what happened to Pauline. But when the system breaks down, he takes revenge. Saying that no one will live happily, if I feel bad then you feel bad, if you have done me bad, then you cannot just live well. It is possible that the whole life for Andrei is just a game where people are pawns.
In any case, if you have reached the end, then you just have to spark ideas, watch the trailer for this series. Thank you very much.
Who is Nastya, ask those who at the beginning of zero went to kindergarten. Because all more or less adults, and even schoolchildren of that time, of course, remember the series 'Poor Nastya' which nicely stood out against the background of other dubious serial products of the domestic manufacturer. Even subsequent replays went with unfailing success, and it was understandable, beautiful costumes, authentic interiors, a stellar cast. The adventures of the orphan Anna, who turned out to be Nastya, were followed by everyone.
It took about 15 years, such historical melodramas, if they appeared, could not be repeated. The first channel decided to make another attempt, though in a somewhat curtailed form, still in ' Free Letter' not so many series, and it was some insurance for the channel.
In fact, the series repeated the mistake of most of our series. If a series succeeds, then on this wave appears a bunch of copies of different quality with minor discrepancies, which follow the original source. Yes, we can say that ' Free Letter' came out many years after the first show ' Poor Nastya' but the fact remains. Look at the main character, Polina, she even looks very much like Korikova. Look at Dmitry, does his behavior not resemble noble Corf in combination with Repnin? I'm not talking about the plot. Judge for yourself. Serf Anna lives with the old Baron Corff as a daughter, dressed and raised as a real young lady. Then the baron dies, the girl is forced to reveal the truth to all her friends, and her adventures begin. In the end, she will be a girl of noble birth. The story of Polina from ' Free Letters' does it remind you? Very well.
But there is one thing in which 'Literacy' strongly loses, even stronger than the repetition of the plot. It's acting, in 'Poor Nastya' it's really great, and it was really interesting to watch the characters. Judge for yourself, Ostroumova, Vitorgan, Filippenko, Usatova, Strakhov, Isayev, Klimov, Alexandrov, Verzhbitsky. And even Elena Korikova, who was not, in my opinion, the star of that series in the acting plan, against the background of the current Polina is just a brilliant actress. Modern faces, intonations, gestures of the main characters greatly spoiled the impression.
Of course, it was still nice to plunge into the atmosphere of the XIX century, with all these estates, balls, carriages. I think this feeling is familiar to any of our people, what bribes such melodramas. And for this beautiful feeling I will put 4.
4 out of 10
Turned on the First channel in the evening and accidentally got to the premiere of the historical series 'Liberty'. A few minutes was enough to realize that found ' his film ' in the stream of foreign television products of our time. I was pleasantly surprised by the mood of the film, open faces, magnificent Russian nature and leisurely, but with a constant dramatic increase in action. It's been a long time since I've seen such a respectful attitude towards the image of a person in a film. So many echoes of classical Russian works, recalled Lermontov, Turgenev, Pushkin. No, nothing specific, but the atmosphere of this film is literally permeated with the spirit of the works of our classics. I can also say about the picture, it seems to be drawn from the paintings of Ivan Shishkin, Alexei Savrasov or Ivan Kramsky. Maybe that’s what the filmmakers wanted, I don’t know. But the fact that it turned out is beyond doubt. Music in 'Liberty' very Russian, wide and ringing, envelops you from the opening credits.
I immersed myself in life ' estate & #39; Russia of the early 19th century, began to follow with excitement the fate of the young girl Polina, her troubles and the long road to freedom. Bright, very expressive heroes. Brothers Krechetsky, Andrei and Dmitry, Countess Anna Nikolaevna and her charming son Ilyusha, notary Boris and his beloved Tatiana. Great performances by people I hardly knew before. I haven't seen it in other movies. This is amazing.
The theme of freedom is built in this picture not through a heroic pamphlet, but through the Christian popular understanding of this phenomenon.
Remembers 'Tess' Roman Polanski, a successful film adaptation of the classic novel by Thomas Hardy. Young Nastasya Kinski embodied in that tape a very controversial image of an unfree young girl. And although the stories themselves are absolutely different (in ' Tess' the heroine is torn between a loved one and her nouveau riche Alik, who seduced her, as a result of which she commits a murder in despair), there are similar emotional intonations. The impossibility of intimacy due to class prejudices, the lack of freedom of a woman and her fate.
In 'Free Letter' Tatiana Babenkova gradually turns her Polina into a very strong personality, balancing between inner struggle and humility. ': You can’t fall below the ground ' she replies to Andrew. In the end, irrepressible pride always loses to the inner free man. Freedom is a state of mind, it elevates people. That’s what this wonderful colorful film is about. My thanks to the entire creative team of this series. You gave joy to watch, feel and enjoy.
I want to express my opinion on the film that, step by step, pulled me into his arms. And I did it against a lot of my taste preferences. From the first series it became clear that we have a high-quality film made in the style of traditional historical melodrama with all the ensuing consequences. As it seemed at first, the film is focused more on a female audience. A pretty classic story about a girl who suddenly lost everything, including her freedom. I’m happy that I didn’t get pushed away by this predetermined plot, as I saw a beautiful multi-layered story about people, family, love and freedom. I'll start in order. It's a beautiful pictorial series. A lot of sun and beautiful Russian landscapes, beautiful scenery, costumes, everything looks organic and whole in this picture. We were offered to observe the girl Polina and her fate, simultaneously looking at this era a little from the outside, easily, without evaluation, without excessive heat of passions, with the subtle look of an interested observer. The authors’ love for the heroes of this film is the subject of a separate story. It is nice that there was no detached simplification and unambiguous colors.
After all, many, conditionally negative characters are endowed with their truth and volume in this film: Tatiana, Boris, Starosta Efim, soft-bodied peasant Fedula, Countess Anna Nikolaevna, Golovin’s nephew and others. As a result, the series was filled with life, very bright and expressive. In simple plot moves, ambiguity appeared and, most importantly, the emotionality of the story. There is a beautiful work of the director, cameraman and artists. But this genre is very difficult, it is to some extent even old-fashioned. But ' Free Letter' breathed and guided us on a journey into Russian classics, into Russian history, made us think again about the world where we live, about the human soul.
I cannot help but mention the actors of this film. Many, many of whom have made themselves known for the first time. Plus the courage of the director. Tatiana Babenkova, who played Polina, at first glance, is an inconspicuous girl, but from series to series, the actress managed to create an interesting feminine image. Dmitry Krechetsky, the opening of this film. Perhaps Artem Krylov played some roles before that, but in 'Liberty' he will be remembered by everyone. So convincingly to perform the image of a noble hero is very difficult. His Dmitri glows from the inside. Andrey performed by Vlad Abashin, aerobatics, in Hollywood he would already be a star. But it does not matter, it is important that in this picture we have new names and created vivid memorable images. I can single out many, and mentioned Anna (German actress Katerina Spiering) and Eudokia (Maria Sokova) and Efim (Alexander Ragulin). These are all actors with a bright gift.
The film captured and passed through me, leaving a feeling of love for a man, for a woman, for his land. The film turned out bright, despite numerous dramatic events and episodes. In conclusion, I want to quote the words of one of the heroes of the film, the priest of Father Michael. Words that I would like to address to all the authors of the film: director, actors, film crew.
'Love you boldly Dmitry, Golovin so did not know'
This series, when the first promo photos appeared, caused both high hopes and skepticism. I think many remember the series of the early 2000s 'Poor Nastya' which told about a serf girl with a mysterious past (as it turned out), who is passing off as a noblewoman, the prince falls in love with her, but her fate begins to collapse when a kind uncle unexpectedly dies. And the promotional video 'Liberty ' painfully reminded this story. Hopes were that the creators of the series will be able to surpass the predecessor or be on a level.
And what did we get?
Let's start with the pros. Definitely, the creators of the series succeeded in costumes and entourage. I must say that the 1830s are not often found in our cinema, so it was even more pleasant to see decent costumes. Heroes looked especially good on distant plans, in combination with the most beautiful landscapes, on the alleys of a perk or in a gazebo. It is also worth noting that the authors are confused to recreate the atmosphere of the first half of the XIX century. They managed this much better than in 'Poor Nastya' as well as costumes. They bribe the interiors, furniture, and scenes of family breakfasts and dinners, which give some realism to the events.
Now to the minuses. Scenario... The impression is that episodes 6 were written, then the writer fell ill or did not have time for the deadlines and made a strong-willed decision to stretch a couple of episodes in the middle to the right amount to get the final 18. The plot sags terribly ... With the heroes almost nothing happens, and the scene of action almost does not change, boredom rolls. Unfortunately, the creators of the series could not find the move that could hold the attention, intrigue with such a calm narrative. And meanwhile, day after day, the heroine was doing her job properly, the brothers argued, the peasants were clean and beautiful scenery. The last 4 episodes are dynamic and it was a pity that the storylines that opened to us at the end were so mediocrely smeared in the middle of the series. But the relationship of the newly formed at the end of the couple would be very interesting to watch.
Also, in addition to the script, a very significant disadvantage can be attributed to the game of Tatiana Babenkova. She may not be so bad in other roles, but... there was a cardboard game. There's no other way. There are some unnecessary curves, then you just hear the sound of crickets. Like Korikova in BN, Babenkova is not suitable for this role.
Another thing that clearly catches the eye is the makeup of actresses (for the most part). At the same time, how gorgeous the costumes are, the faces of many heroines look just as bad. It is difficult to say whether they have recently been on vacation and sunburned heavily in the sun, or whether this eerie orange tonal cream so spoils their faces. However, to see such orange brown noblewomen is very strange.
And of course, the final twist with the noble decision of the characters is too fabulous, but we are watching almost a fairy tale, so you can not find fault here.
As a result, we get a mediocre series against the background of foreign analogues. I can't compare it to ours. I am pleased with the costumes and surroundings. There was a lack of liveliness. But glad that there was a variety in the time intervals of historical series, which are taken to shoot. And then somehow it became boring to look at one Russia at the beginning of the XX century, the era of Peter the Great or the Great Catherine or the period of the Second World War. So many more untried stories! Many stories of the period of Alexander I and Nicholas I would have taken at least the fate of V. A. Zhukovsky, or rather the history of his birth: a Russian nobleman and a captive Turkish woman! What's not an exciting story? Or the story of Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna, who secretly married a second marriage, fearing the wrath of her father. There are a lot of stories left to reveal!
Success to the creators of Russian historical series!
With the exception of a couple of TV series, I hate serial Russian films for many objective reasons. But not this one.
The series is unusual, colorful, bright, pleasant, light and sensitive. This is very unusual for Russian cinema lately. I can’t remember the same, the Hero of Our Time and Anna Karenina are only closer in spirit.
Good story, with a slightly drawn-out ending.
Very pleasant actors, without exception, each in his place, faces corresponding to the era, nobles are played by those who pull on nobles, courtyards / serfs - those who suit this role externally, not vice versa, as we like.
Slightly caricatured became ' villain' by the end of the series, otherwise without complaints. The scenery, costumes, dialogue, intellectual and moral filling of the series - all this is at its height. Defects both in the plot and in the motivation of the characters are present, but it is so not critical and pales against the background of the overall picture that almost not noticeable in the process of viewing.
I am very happy with the release of this series.
The series "Free Letter" was on its head, or even two higher than those that are now released. Although on the First channel show a lot of really high-quality films, with an interesting plot and great actors (take at least “Disobedient” or “Silver Bor”). But such a “free certificate” has not yet been. Everything is good here: the plot, the characters, the cinematography, from which I was breathtaking, the complete immersion in the atmosphere of the mid-19th century. Serfdom, which we all know from the history books, appears here in all its beauty, for real. Sometimes I unwittingly clenched my fists when I saw nobles humiliating their peasants. In the end, I was ready to hate all the nobles. It is good that the most worthy of them, even then, 30 years before the abolition of serfdom, were against the ownership of people. I remember the scene when the famous singer Barinov, dining at the count of Krechetsky, said that he himself from serfs and people does not buy. Then he got up and walked from the table with a straight back, followed by ridicule from the nobles. There are many such subtle and deep moments in the film.
I really liked the language they spoke. I mean, this is our Russian language, but with the words and nuances that are now missing: “I have to tell you”, “be kind to follow us”, etc. All dialogues are written down to the smallest detail. Heroes, even secondary, bright, “convex”, with character and history. In addition to the very beautiful and bold main characters - Dmitry and Polina, I liked Countess Anna Krechetskaya, especially her accent, Levka (I do not remember her name) a swindler, dangerous and crazy, with wild eyes; an investigator from St. Petersburg - Vishnyakov (it looks like a young Andrey Mironov), peasants and peasant women from Golovinka (Old Efim is just a handsome man, so sorry for his ruined life), a priest and mother from the monastery (they said many wise words, they wanted to listen to them, and the actor was not convinced by this mantelain, the mer, who was not a mer, of course, the meria, who was the mer, the merina, who was the anti-god, who was the mer, who was not the mer, who was the merniest, the merniest, the anti-god, who was the merina, who was the merina, the merina. For two weeks I waited for the evening to see Polina again, Dmitry (oh, what a handsome man!), a notary with Tanya, the other heroes. To immerse yourself in the atmosphere of that time. It didn’t even matter how it ended, but I just wanted to watch it and let it all pass through. Thank you to the director and everyone who worked on this film. Good luck and success!