A breakthrough in Russian hockey or how young Valery Kharlamov won the hearts of millions.
Hockey has always been the national and most beloved sport among Russian citizens. Unfortunately, recently, athletes have not pleased us with interesting games or strong victories. Russian cinema has stopped making films about sports. People didn’t expect anything really interesting. Finally, we waited! On the screens was released the film by Nikolai Lebedev “Legend number 17”.
The picture made a furor immediately after the release of the official trailer. Famous directors and critics were also pleased with this work.
The film is about hockey player Valery Kharlamov - a legend of Soviet hockey and how in 1972 our team beat the NHL.
But don’t write off saying that you won’t go to the movie because you don’t like sports or know nothing about the legendary game and the defeat of the Canadian national team. Note that the film is not only about sports – it is about a young man who believed in himself to the end and achieved what he wanted. The film will be interesting to viewers of all ages from young children to the elderly. You will be able to watch the struggle of the main character, Danila Kozlovsky, over himself, the heavy but very effective training of the coach of the national team Tarasov, who was skillfully played by Oleg Menshikov, and the pressure of a member of the party - the strongest actor Vladimir Menshov, over sports. Very interestingly, the film shows a love story, or rather Kharlamov’s throwing between his beloved girl and his favorite thing.
What's the movie about? The film is about faith in yourself and your dream, about the fact that in any case you can not give up and you need to go to the end. Valery Kharlamov (Danila Kozlovsky) will have to go through many difficulties before he becomes a true legend. Of course, the picture is about Soviet hockey and the love of all residents of the USSR for sports and certainly about human patriotism.
Legend 17 is a very interesting film: watching the movie, you think it was shot in the 60s or 70s. The special effects here are inappropriate, as they would only spoil the film. Separately pleased with the work of the sound engineer. There were no sharp changes in sound, piercing squeals and deafening roars.
The film makes you think and that’s the main thing. You begin to wonder how true you are to yourself and whether you are willing to go further for your dreams. We want to raise our sport to the level it was in 1972. I want to move on and meet the expectations of people who lived before us.
The film is multipolar and will be interesting to viewers of all ages. It can be seen as a fantastic story about a superman, and you can see a fairy tale about the fact that dreams are always fulfilled, you just need to want. And for some, this film will cause you to think about whether he lives right. What will you see? It's easy to find out.
Russian films deteriorated after the collapse of the USSR. But in 2013, our movies made a lot of good movies. One of them is Legend N17.
A few words about Lebedev’s previous paintings. I don't remember one of his paintings, feed the movie Volkodav. This movie was bad, especially after the notorious Watches. However, after the films of the dilogy “Inhabited Island” and “Weary of the Sun 2”, one can say that the film is bad, but sometimes worse.
Let’s go back to the movie and start with the downsides. First, the wrong actor was invited to the role of coach Tarasov. He's too weak for the role. The second thing is that sometimes the movie is boring, which is sad. I'm used to not boring movies like Rocky.
But let's get to the pluses. First of all, this is Kharlamov himself, who was flawlessly played by Danila Kozlovsky. The second is the street magic of Tarasov, I confess I was burned by this moment. The third is the plot, because I really like the stories from the evolution of the protagonist. The fourth is a well-played hockey match against Canada. And fifth, that’s not what the whole 1972 super series showed, especially the last match.
As a result, the film turned out to be a good sports drama, but not perfect. For Raging Bull and Rocky are like the moon. However, Lebedev deserved the forgiveness of the people with this film. And I wish the director good luck, and that he does not fall into any more unpleasant situations.
This movie is incredibly annoying from the first seconds. It's like Hollywood! One! Two! Left! Left! This nightmare, which begins with the first shots, can hardly be called a normal movie. The installation twitches, the frames change incredibly quickly, the head is spinning. Sorry, but in Hollywood, no matter how they think that we have the era of clip thinking, nevertheless, editing normally. Sin City is a wonderful movie, in the spirit of American culture. And us? Are we part of American culture? In general, this film is a declaration of love for Russia, Russian sports, Russian athletes, but American! And that can't help but upset. I have never seen so many blunders as in Russian films, this is no exception. All these prices are sucked out of a finger. Craft techniques are exploited. If suspense is a suspense. A fool will break his head, teach him to pray. And these repetitions, this bull is asleep, the boy and the puppy are standing, everything is twitching, everything is fast. The clap is the next episode. What kind of Hollywood views of Chebarkul? How beautifully does blue smoke go into the sky? What kind of halimatya? If it's a movie, let it be beautiful. Looking for species in America. We have them made computer so that America does not concede. Why? Who wants to imitate America and be better? There is no culture where children kill children. This culture is unique and will reach a dead end. We're Russians. We have a rich history, we have always had our own methods and views. How is it that everyone is fighting for liberation from America, and we are running after it like dogs without roots? We – who in history had the Ruriks, Romanovs, the richest ancient families of boyars, nobles! We run after convicts who have not yet learned to put their feet on the table, who have not learned to spit out gum when talking, who eat, chew and consume. Let them grow and disappear in themselves. This country is worthless if three acts are the rule. While everyone's favorite Mitta says, "There are no rules." Nothing to violate.” You can only invent and invent. Doing things that no one else has done. But it was all sheep. Produce frank shit in the American way and are happy with themselves. Like you can't do that. It's like it's already done for us. If the Lumieres, Méliès, Lange, Murnau, Dullac, the new French wave, the new German wave, Tati, Vertov, thought the same way, we would not know what cinema is. Progress rests on enthusiasts. And this film is a regression of everything - cinema, nation, era!
What the hell is that when they climb pipes and hang five hundred meters from the ground? What is this, a parody, a comedy? I don't understand. We are so big that we don’t think about small things. Sorry.
Artemyev wrote the music. Only that it is Artemyev I understood at the end, when played his typical theme, which he repeats. Before that, it's some silly illustrated music from the '50s. This birdie plan is another nod to Hollywood. The love line is superficial. Musical theme is as superficial as directing.
Sparkles flew - he saw her again. That's love! Snot, snot, snot. Only actors feel sorry. They are good actors, but they are filmed in hell.
This quick unnatural change of events! There's bullfighting right there. Immediately he wants to fly to Japan, immediately helps the girl, immediately falls in love, immediately it turns out that they are sent to Chebarkul, etc. Some cascade of events. Theatricality, convention, to keep everything alive. The theater is conditional, but always wants to be as similar as life. And cinema is essentially more organic, and we descend into prehistoric times, when we filmed their stuff Pyriev and Alexandrov, they just spoil the very nature of cinema, its naturalness, organics, eating it all with a touch of Soviet extremism.
And what idiots they make of athletes who believe they will fly to Japan tomorrow. Is this in the Soviet Union? Who are you kidding? The Americans might buy it. Although in America, there are also writers-directors who make smart movies. That's why Hollywood doesn't accept them. We're the opposite. We move away from identity in favor of the tastes of the Prozac nation and consumption.
Why are we wearing helmets and Canadians wearing wigs and gums? No comments! It’s ours, and it’s not ours, don’t confuse it.
They used everything as good American Mackey students. Parallel editing in Hollywood, all the means of language that has been invented for a century, and all this in Hollywood.
There's a series called Murder. The Americans remade it from the eponymous Danish, but in such a way that, in addition to all the Danish and Polish surnames, the originality of Scandinavian culture, the features of Scandinavian photography, psychological branches that are not characteristic of Americans, who always have everything OK, and so on, has been preserved there. And it's interesting to watch, even though nobody changes the footage every two seconds. If the movie is about sports, it does not mean that everyone will have enough vestibular apparatus to withstand such a jerk in front of his eyes. Stamps on stamps. If a hero is good, he is so good. If it's bad, it's bad. And then they also worked on the famous first turn, when the Canadian “Bichara” on the ice becomes a normal person in life.
The film in terms of raising Russian consciousness can be useful for stupid viewers. Because on the face of what is done in American Russian can not be. Orientation of this film for a simple Russian cattle, who needs to explain who is Kharlamov, Tarasov. I’m not interested in this movie from any point of view, just because it’s not focused on me, on my audience category. For me, cinema is art, not entertainment. And for the same reason, I am offended by all Russian cinema. I wish there were more movies like Berlin. Boxgenerplatz, which, by the way, our distributors simply do not bring to the Russian market, like many other good paintings that can be found only at festivals with subtitles, then cattle would cease to be them. And so people are simply not allowed to rise from the knees of philistine taste and consumer attitude to art, to cinema. It's all very sad.
In the rapid nineties, Russian cinema was part of the accomplished cultural revolution: prevailing populism, drunkenness, sloppiness and hamstrings against “sausage emigrants.” In two thousandth Russian cinema returned to its Soviet origins – the widespread state order and the irresistible thirst to curry favor with an influential sponsoring boss. “Legend N17” is made just for these patterns of our time.
Domestic film biography, which tells about the legendary hockey match of the USSR – Canada in 1972 and about the personal victory of Valery Kharlamov, the famous hockey player of the Soviet team.
First, the pros. This is a beautifully made movie from a technical point of view. Sitting next to me at the preview in Moscow, a professional cameraman clapped his hands not to scored washers, but to the way everything was filmed, mounted and correctly presented to the viewer. Indeed, our reporters should learn: this is how to shoot sports in 2013.
The cast did not surprise the faces, but good textures - Menshikov and Menshov are quite good. As for Danila Kozlovsky, to receive from him that good game, which received – is a revelation, forgive me for subjectivism. The national team of Canada, consisting of brave young people of Slavic appearance, gave what was happening a comic shade.
And now, in fact, about the disadvantages, or rather, about the main disadvantage of the project – absolute conceptual impotence, multiplied by the propaganda orientation of the whole action.
The mythologization of Soviet sports and lifestyle is always beneficial if you want to earn a good box office on middle-aged viewers who remember their pioneer years, but it is disastrous for any small-scale attempt to make a good story.
Right word, there was a feeling that the Director paired with the screenwriter watched the whole set of comedies with Adam Sendler and did everything on the same plot starting point: “insecure hero by the end of the story acquires an inner core and wins both over himself and over rivals.” Only everything was done with an absolutely serious mine and unhealthy pathos. You know what I'm getting at? The agitation before the Olympics succeeded. But with the main question “Was it an ordinary sports victory, or a triumph of the whole country?” the filmmakers could not clearly understand.
Like it or not, but Soviet cinema - was allocated good money, worked professional directors and actors, was created a powerful material and technical base, and as a result was shot a large number of excellent films that have become classics of cinema. After the collapse of the USSR, the crisis covered all branches of life, this trouble and cinema did not pass, you will judge for yourself no money for food purchases, what kind of cinema there is. With the beginning of the 2000s, the situation in the country stabilized slightly, and high-quality TV series and films began to appear, for example: Brigade, Spetsnaz, Star, War, August 44th and many others. And it seems that when the situation only began to improve around the middle of the 2000s, the cinema finally slipped into nowhere and began to work on the principle: “pipels hawai”, “budget paid off and great”, there are a lot of films and TV series, the quality is frankly poor, often exploited plots of Western films that were already morally outdated or produced clumsy remakes of Soviet films, which, unfortunately, brought the creators money, prompting the release of new “masterpieces”.
By watching Legends N17, I approached with apprehension, there were still fresh memories of one of the biographical films shot by Russian directors – Vysotsky, thank you for being alive – which turned out, in my humble opinion, to be a failure. But a great trailer and acquaintance with one of Lebedev’s works – the film “Star”, which I consider one of the best films about the war in the post-Soviet space, led to the fact that I still watched “Legend”. Despite the fact that the film lasts more than two hours, the viewing was held in one breath and there was a lot of fun, which I will tell you in more detail below.
- Age and patriotism. The presence of a healthy patriotism in the cinema? Americans have repeatedly shot both patriotic and exciting films such as “Black Hawk”, “Patriot”. Legend N17 is imbued with healthy patriotism, you begin to understand that despite all the shortcomings of the Soviet system, there was a powerful country that fought for supremacy in the world in everything, including sports, a country that challenged the founders of hockey – Canadians. Time is transferred perfectly clothes, cars, interior elements - everything is done qualitatively and completely immerses us in the spirit of the era of stagnation, for greater immersion, individual periods of the hero's life are filmed on different cameras, which also adds to the atmosphere. And then you should add good camera work, good special effects, good computer graphics (and most importantly, unobtrusive), professional work of stuntmen, all this only improves the quality of the film.
- Actors and characters. If everything is great in the movie, then there is nothing to indulge in. The actors are selected good, knowing their business, and that the main thing is not taken on the main roles of relatives of the director, which is undoubtedly a plus. We played well, someone better, who is worse, but all the characters turned out to be alive, I want to focus on the three most colorful.
- Danila Kozlovsky. Well done, played at the level, perfectly conveyed the emotions of the protagonist, in general, you can praise the director for such a choice.
Oleg Menshikov, despite the fact that the role of the main character was played well, the coach of CSKA and the USSR hockey team Tarasov performed by Menshikov definitely liked more. The role is the strongest, and most importantly shows the gradual disclosure of the character throughout the film. And that the most important character causes a range of emotions, and this suggests that the hero of Oleg came out alive.
- Vladimir Menshov. Another character that I remember more than others. Bureaucratic worm, another symbol of the era, the mephistopheles of the Soviet Union. In relation to the character, antipathy and squeamishness just go off the scale, and this is good, so Vladimir succeeded in the role.
- Motivation. The main point of the film is motivation. The entire timeline of the film is the hero’s struggle with himself and the difficulties that pursue him, it is a struggle for his dream and life goal. Just perfectly shown the idea that happiness does not fall from the sky, in order to achieve anything you need to work tirelessly, against the background of this after the film for a long time does not leave the emotional uplift, optimism and hope for a bright future. “Legend N17” can be safely put on the same level with such motivating films as “The Shawshank Escape”, “Knockdown”, “Military Diver”.
Conclusion. The film is wonderful and inspires hope for the revival of domestic cinema.
9 out of 10
If the world did not see me, was I really there?
P. Kashin
Your number 17, the whole world knows him!
A. V. Tarasov
As they say, a good domestic film – shot in the USSR or about the USSR. That's what happened here. A truly legendary film. It should even be removed from fictional events.
Stars like V. Kharlamov are talents, masters of their craft. And it is enviable, kindly enviable that people can find their place in life, determine their purpose and follow it. Saying to your beloved girl “except hockey, I am not interested in anything else in this life” is also necessary to be able to. The strength of the will, the desire to play, despite the injury. It seems to me that in our times there are no such patriots in any sport, because it is already openly said that players refuse to play for the national team, because you will not see much money here, and there is no desire to waste yourself for the idea.
Coach A. Tarasov also found his niche. At first glance, he is cruel and unfair, but that is what makes him great, it is his methods that help players both individually and as a team. N. Karpol is remembered with his radical methods of playing the game and, accordingly, training. But it was his team that achieved heights that are even difficult to imagine now.
I think it is not worth advising athletes and amateurs to watch the film, all of them were waiting for its release impatiently, but ordinary people may not be interested in it, although - try, gentlemen, because there are many fans among us.
I will say right away that I don’t understand anything in hockey, as well as in football, so my review will not be very informative. I was asked to see this film by my father, who is a hockey and football fan. We watched this movie with the whole family, and everyone got a positive impression. I sat down to watch this movie with everyone because I love big movies, but not because of hockey. In the end, I was impressed by everything from passive scenes with conversations of heroes to hockey matches. It's not that I don't like sports at all, I'm just indifferent to it, it's not my thing. But this film made me worry about the outcome of matches with the participation of the main character.
Since I’m in hockey or boom-boom, my family explained who was who. I watched hockey in those years, in which the film takes place – they were very clear. I was told that Tatiana Tarasova, after watching this film, said that the actor who played her father Anatoly Tarasov coped with his role, and was really like his prototype. In general, everything in the film was clear, except for moments that are understandable only to those who know hockey in the 70s. For such a name Valery Kharlamov is not an empty sound.
This film shows the life of the famous hockey player, his childhood and difficulties in adulthood. It shows what was happening outside the stadium – something that is certainly of interest to hockey fans, who usually only see the matches themselves. Very impressive scene with training, when Kharlamov was taught to hit the pucks, standing on the goal. Thanks to this scene, I realized how hockey is different from football.
It doesn't hurt, Kharlamov! You have to protect the gate!
The film also shows how dangerous it was to play hockey with Canadians who might not have considered Russians and could afford to use force in a match. That ended the career of Valery Kharlamov – the same Legend at number 17. But he left his memory unsurpassed by play and dedication, which for most citizens is just entertainment.
It was hockey on the big screen - a real gift for big movie lovers and hockey fans.
Let them throw me tomatoes, because I am a child of the 90s, who grew up with an older sister and was raised purely on American products. So with Russian films, I have a particular strain. But Danila Kozlovsky ... this is the reason for my viewing.
Objectively speaking, the film is good. The whole frame of exposure, the laws of relationships, the structure of the film, which has all the factors to hold the viewer. But! the last half an hour of the film is so obsessively predictable that all my impression of the first hour and a half has deteriorated worse.
Even with my dislike for Russian cinema, I watched the first hour with interest, but again the reason for this is more Danil than the film itself. How infuriated by this feature in Russian cinema, when a guy sees a girl, his face freezes expression, as if there is some miracle and against the background of this stupid expression of the face plays this music, which is always, always included when they say to the audience “But here you need to be sad”, “and here is the moment when you, like, should feel something”. Infuriating. Another thing that irritates me in Russian films: father, women, Nastika and other slang.
Legend N17 is a film about the next dream of a boy who wants to achieve something in this life. A movie about sport, achievement, and of course, without love. Although love is too much. It would be fine without her, but you need to give the audience more experiences. You know what I mean? Cliché. Cliche movie. He's good, but he's ordinary. How many? I think it will be a dozen.
Emotionally, I wasn't completely hooked. Mentally, everything is fine, but it is not enough for me. I didn’t burn the film, I didn’t even worry, because I knew it would play. Oh, what reviews have I heard about Legend N17?
6 out of 10
To begin with, I must warn you that I am not interested in sports in general and hockey in particular, and I know almost nothing about the people bred in the film. Thus, I, firstly, hardly belong to its target audience, and my estimates may be inadequate, and secondly, I will not even try to assess the reliability of the plot and the accuracy of the transmission of images.
The film is strikingly contradictory. If it weren’t for the credits, I’d be sure that the movie was made by some very colorful team of authors, where everyone was not fully aware of what the others were doing. However, the director is one, there are only three screenwriters (including Nikolai Lebedev himself), and it remains to be believed that all of them have not been able to decide what exactly they are shooting a movie about (and Lebedev has not yet decided on his own artistic method). This, in principle, is not quite a reproach and in any case not a disaster, since diversity means that there are very strong moments in Legend N17; but it is difficult to assess such a contradictory picture.
It should be noted that the authors of the film built cleverly - despite the title and the fact that the central character is Valery Kharlamov, in fact it is a movie, maybe even more about Anatoly Tarasov. This is the most vivid image of the film, and the dynamics of his relationship with Kharlamov is devoted to most of the film. The idea of showing a teacher through a student is good and fruitful, but a number of pitfalls are associated with it, and the main one is the biographical nature of the film. The emotional and semantic center, the culmination of the film is Kharlamov’s reconciliation with Tarasov, his non-betrayal and help from the coach in the difficult moment of injury, a moment when two almost broken, almost dreamless people support each other and root for each other. However, Kharlamov still has the main event ahead - the match with Canada, and Tarasov does not participate in this event; the authors could not escape this fact of history, but it does not fit into the plot they conceived. Hence, clumsily embedded in the scene of the match, Tarasov, walking with a stick around the yard, hence the lack of emotional load in this scene. The drive is there, and there is no emotion, because until now the film was not about that, and it creates the feeling of a scratched record, on which the needle suddenly jumped to the middle of the next song. Again, the biography - and Kharlamov's formally central role - loads the film with side episodes that seem to have collected all the cliches of the sports drama: the confrontation with the decadent captain of Chebarkul's team, the courtship of the girl and the choice between her and the sport, family difficulties, even the running of bulls at the beginning of the film, needed only as a symbolic reflection of the match in Montreal at the end ... These storylines knock down the temporite, hang, forgotten by authors who, in fact, do not need them, are hastily and artificially completed before the finale. But the central line, the relationship Kharlamov and Tarasov, the story of a harsh coach, breaking too hot and arrogant young man (or rather, breaking off this excessive hotness), – it is written out perfectly.
True, there is a spoon of tar, and its name is Balashov. The character of Vladimir Menshov tried to make extremely negative, but it turned out, firstly, unnatural (his motivation is unclear, and obvious attempts to destroy Soviet hockey are not explained), and secondly, contradicts what he says (which, I suspect, was taken from real life). Because Balashov says reasonable things, which are more likely confirmed in the film - that Tarasov builds the entire Soviet hockey for himself, that it is almost a cult of personality, that he may well drive young athletes into depression. Apparently, this is a very effective method of training, and I am not saying that Balashov is right, but it definitely looks very similar to a totalitarian sect. As a result, Balashov speaks mostly as a well-intentioned, perhaps misguided person trying to improve sports, and acts as a sinister goblin (I long suspected that he was bought by foreigners, for there is no other rational explanation for this).
Directing is as controversial as the script. If I had been shown different scenes separately, I would hardly have recognized them as episodes of the same film. And Lebedev equally often hits the target and misses. Terrible, goofy editing at the beginning and end, from which the head hurts - and a magnificent scene of the car accident; obsessive rain under blue spotlights in every scene when Kharlamov is sad - and atmospheric decline in Cheburkul; unreliable Balashov - and wonderful parents Kharlamov ... In general, there are too many techniques and they are too different, as if the director is a child pulling everything he likes from the TV into his game, but there are many different ones.
Speaking of characters, they are beautiful. I haven’t seen a movie with such great second and third-rate characters in a long time. Of course, we have to thank the director for this, but primarily the actors. What a beautiful doctor performed by Nina Usatova! How beautiful are the Spanish overprotective mother and simple courageous father Kharlamov – Alejandra Grepi and Boris Shcherbakov! And a pompous Canadian trainer, eh! But, of course, the most important thing to note is the performance of Oleg Menshikov – an amazing game, strong and deep. Tarasov is one of his best roles. Excellent. Danila Kozlovsky in the lead role is not so striking, but there is nothing to reproach him for - the image is well conveyed. And Menshov played perfectly, although the script desperately interfered with him.
As a result, Legend N17 has better directing, and acting is better than directing. The film is very uneven, controversial, and it is difficult for me to evaluate it unequivocally positively, but I think it deserves to be seen.
Having looked at the praise reviews, at the place in the top, after listening to the recommendations of friends, I still overpowered my dislike of domestic cinema and looked at the modern leader of the Russian film industry Legend N17.
The beginning of the film is intriguing and quite entertaining. The well-translated atmosphere of the Soviet Union from the very first shots, interesting dialogues and even at the beginning an enticing plot, which closer to the middle of the film will be its most obvious flaw.
The fact is that decent fees in Russia and good reviews most likely provided the effect of “Look how ours can”. Just like they did in America. But here's what's good about it, I can't understand. Indeed, ours took and shot 1 in 1 as a template from any foreign low-plot and light sports film. After all, you just have to think - the main character plays in a worthless team, the coach of a top club notices him, he begins to play there, reaches incredible heights, fails, having an inhuman will to win again gets on his feet, reaches the final - the most formidable opponent, gets an even bigger injury and almost at death knocks out the final point for his team. You know what I just said? The plot of Legend N17, as well as several dozen Western low-rated films about sports. And how can you not notice that all this has happened a dozen times already - I don't understand. To follow the story is not of any interest at all. After the thirtieth minute, I imagined what would happen next and made no mistake in any detail. Just because I already saw it and knew that from the domestic cinema nothing invented by myself I will not see.
The only strength of the film, which immediately catches the eye (because the plot of the film goes into the background) is a qualitatively conveyed atmosphere of the USSR. Everything breathes communism, the collective farm, the Communist Party. Soviet shops, relations between people, fear of the ruling elite. It's all very exciting. And unfortunately, only the atmosphere to rejoice and remains ... after atmospheric inserts begins a grueling plot.
Special attention should be paid to the main antagonists of the film - the Canadian hockey team. God damn it, the stereotypical evil Russians from American movies, only from Canada. They defiantly play without helmets, each 2 meters tall and wide with an ever-scorched face, chewing gum throughout the match. I have nothing but laughter in these images. And they say that Russians are too offended by Western films.
5 out of 10
When I heard about this film, I didn’t really want to watch it at first, because I’m not a sports fan, and I only knew about Danil Kozlovsky from We Are from the Future and Spiritless. However, the curiosity of the moviegoer took over, and I watched the film, which I absolutely do not regret.
Of course, the creators somewhat embellished the biography of the legendary Valery Kharlamov, but this is a standard cinematic move. Some moments were unpleasant to watch (in particular, the torture of Anatoly Tarasov), but in General, the film did not disappoint and kept the screen throughout the action.
The actors are all just fine:
Danila Kozlovsky, who became my favorite domestic actor after this film, introduced us to Valery Kharlamov as a kind and faithful person for whom hockey is the most important thing in life, although he also does not forget about his relatives. The actor perfectly coped with the task, and for this I thank him very much.
Oleg Menshikov played the legendary hockey coach Anatoly Tarasov, who becomes the mentor of Kharlamov and his friends. At first, they hate him, because he uses harsh methods comparable to torture, but in the end it becomes clear that he is not a bad person and simply sought to make his wards strong hockey players with good patience. This is especially evident at the time of the team’s departure for the Super Series, when Kharlamov tightly embraces Tarasov as his father.
Svetlana Ivanova played the future wife of Kharlamov, Irina Smirnova. She is presented as a very kind woman who is sincerely attached to her lover and therefore is very upset that he puts his profession even higher than Irina herself. However, Valery still realizes that he is missing his happiness, and put up with it. The scene of their acquaintance was directly copied from real life, and the scene of “conquest” was invented by the filmmakers. Of course, it looked quite shocking, but beautiful.
Alexander Lobanov in the image of Alexander Gusev is presented as Kharlamov’s best friend, who has accompanied him everywhere from the very beginning of his formation and never betrays their friendship. In addition, he completed the scoring of the winning goal in the Super Series.
The work of the director, screenwriters and decoration is simply on top, albeit with anachronisms-gaps. All the awards received by the film are well deserved, although it is a pity that Danil Kozlovsky was “rolled”...
9 out of 10
The movie is very worthy! It's been a long time since we made so many good movies! The plot is worked out, a good acting! The film allows you to feel the emotions in the game - The last hockey fight ... as if you can be next to the team, feel the happiness of the team!
In the film we see the life of Valery Kharlamov! We see the hard way the hero goes. Fate throws him to the bottom, but he does not give up! Valery Kharlamov does not stop! He is doing everything to get his way. Kharlamov loves hockey and is ready for anything! In training, Anatoly Tarasov first experiences endurance. It doesn’t give him any chances to get into training as a full-time member of the team. But N17 is ready for anything! In spite of everything, he is ready to train and play hockey. The hero is angry with Tarasov, but still gets his way and becomes a full member of the team! His love of hockey knows no bounds! It seems that he values hockey more than family, loved ones, relatives. It is not right, but each person chooses who is more important!
Harlamov's training is something! Daily jogs, serious preparation, incredible - crazy actions (of course, the film was bent with some of their activities / antics ...) But that doesn't spoil the film - it gives the film more excitement. Also, the abuse of Tarasov does not go unnoticed ... He does not allow you to train, mocks in every possible way - forces you to protect the gate with yourself. Kharlamov goes through everything - he has iron patience! He was broken by an injury, but his friends did not let him down and he was able to return to the sport! Difficulties give the film its peculiarity - its peculiar interest!
This movie is definitely 9 out of 10! The film allows you to enjoy the game of a real team! Proves that you can achieve everything! Kharlamov was able to return to the sport after serious injuries! Everyone can achieve anything, the main thing is to believe it! I wish there were more good movies like that!
How to raise the spirit of patriotism in the absence of a coherent national idea, social and political disunity? It is right to make a film about someone who everyone, regardless of political preferences and interests, would consider a legend. As a superhero, who was entrusted with the difficult task of strengthening spiritual bonds, the great Soviet hockey player Valery Kharlamov was chosen.
The calculation was 100% correct. Already going to this picture, the audience was ready to shout and applaud the abandoned pucks, rooting for the Red Machine. The necessary atmosphere was created at the stage, as it is now fashionable to say, “promoted”. Nothing could change that. In the hands of screenwriters and directors was the fact that in the movie on “Legend” went people who knew little about hockey and had a very vague idea of Kharlamov.
If you watch the film is not biased, then you can see an incredible number of all sorts of blunders, starting with plastic seats in the stadium and the ringing of the net into which the puck will fall, and ending with the story of Kharlamov’s life turned upside down. If the first is forgivable - with whom it does not happen, then the second is simply inexplicable. Why in the autobiographical film rearrange events from the life of the main character, attracting them by the ears to the necessary events, why invent a non-existent match of the national team with Spartak, for which Brezhnev allegedly suffered ...
Valery Kharlamov was and will always remain a legend. Even in spite of those movies about him. Those interested will find reliable information about how everything really happened. And the movie. The film will soon be forgotten, because no even more beautiful fake will be better than the original.
I had no idea what I was going to see, this time it was totally random. Very good film in the American manner in the best patriotic traditions and with all the attributes of this genre.
I read some negative reviews and smiled. Guys argue and many do it beautifully, but they forgot that watching not a historical chronicle, and a movie aimed at a teenage audience. And the film turned out just wonderful, because after it somehow suddenly a good mood. Is that not enough?
To the game of actors do not find fault, the composition is the same as necessary and I would probably throw a stone only about the overplay of some scenes - and in general the movie mood.
We are talking about the legendary hockey player Kharlamov and how his career allegedly developed in a parallel reality. And I guess I can tell you everything here except the score in the match. What about the score?
In general, the film is to sometimes dream, as well as feel the pleasant taste of victory. Let people believe that ours can win and then ours will win.
Good luck watching and sporting.
Dedicated to the victory of the Russian team at the 22nd Olympic Games!
The film of Nikolai Lebedev calls not only for patriotism; it clearly shows the fruits of perseverance, the results of efforts, and also explains that failure is a natural phenomenon that leads to true and great victories, and not to successful and accidental success.
Plot.
The film tells about the legendary USSR-Canada Super Series. The starting match, held on September 2, 1972, ended with the victory of the USSR national team with the score 7:3.
It is not necessary to moralize the picture at all, for it gives instructions of life and everyday life, which are the main ones. Remember that nothing is impossible. Find a dream, set a goal, achieve! And nothing more.
Actor's play.
Danila Kozlovsky shows a very decent game; he takes the lion’s share of drama, takes on his shoulders almost the entire emotional plan, proving that Russian actors are able to play decently.
Oleg Menshikov demonstrated the best supporting acting work in the domestic cinema in 2012. He makes you hate your character, disdain his methods, and then force you to believe in his team, respect his actions, love his talent. We can do it if we want to.
Operational work. Remove the stick from the right angle during the impact breaking the ice. Let us see the flying puck hitting the opponent's gate. Properly show the faces of hockey players at the decisive moment, whose emotions cannot be conveyed in words. The viewer feels the atmosphere that reigned on that epochal day! Thank you very much for that!
Director.
You don't have to talk too much. I will only say that Lebedev gave an opportunity to believe in the whole Russian cinema. He gave hope to the modern audience, who had previously believed that Russian films could be of quality only on military themes.
Nikolai Igorevich, thank you for bringing Russian cinema to the level of Soviet cinema. The whole world realized that Russia can shoot high-quality pictures.
10 out of 10
Winning the Olympics, friends! Get to our level! Yay!
“If your team beats ours, then I’ll eat a new issue of my newspaper.”
Honestly, I went to this film only because of a girl who saw a commercial on television really rushed to see this picture. I do not really like hockey, and the current Russian filmmakers are upsetting more and more often, but I had to agree.
The beginning of the film was rather depressing, but when everything started to develop I realized that I was very wrong. All aspects in this film are furnished perfectly, of course, there are flaws, but who cares when Oleg Menshikov plays the role of a tough but fair coach.
I don’t know why, but it seemed that Danila Kozlovsky is simply not suitable for this role, perhaps I sin against the saint, so to speak, but this thought did not leave me almost the whole film, well, it plays badly!!
Vladimir Menshikov quite plausibly played the role of Balashov, a man who lives so to speak on both sides.
The soundtrack is quite pleasant in this film, and the humor in this film sometimes comes to a place.
In the end, we got a beautiful drama from Nikolai Lebedev with a great acting and a pleasant soundtrack, but there are some aspects that spoil the overall picture of the film.
7 out of 10
There was so much talk around this movie! How many positive comments I have heard about this picture! Huge numbers. After this movie, I just heard “they learned how to shoot us.” Finally, I watched this tape.
Well, really good. Very good. The first thing to note is that we approached the creation of this picture wisely. We made it good. Good actors (for example, Kozlovsky) and wonderful actors (for example, Menshikov), a good plot that does not get bored for a second, a very good picture that pleasantly surprised me, and, finally, the atmosphere, or rather the stylization of the era of that time. It feels like you’re in that moment.
In this picture about a real legend of sports, about the famous super series, about the formation of personality and the path to victory, about hockey, certainly reflects the era, the history of our country. And, probably, in addition to all the above positive aspects of the picture, this film is valuable for this.
This tape is suitable for both adults and children. What am I saying? It's a must-see! I couldn’t get off the screen for a minute! And in the end, I was filled with feelings of pride, patriotism and a keen desire right now to start doing something, to change my life for the better, to strive to win.
Special thanks to Menshikov. On his background, all the other roles fade. All the actors of course played their roles well, but Menshikov played simply incomparable.
Be sure to watch everyone!
Protect the gate! How to protect your country, how to protect your children!
For all the time that Russian cinema lives an independent life from Soviet cinema, not so many worthy films came out on the screens, and if to be objective, then it is worth admitting that worthy pictures can be counted on the fingers. All the same, Soviet cinema, for all its unnaturalness and pathos, furnished a colossal heritage, which descendants, unfortunately, did not save and torn to dust. Films are stamped like in a factory, but there is no art in them, all pale and not interesting, and often even annoy with their frank delusions. List especially "outstanding" copies do not even want, they are already on everyone's ears and serve as a benchmark for how not to shoot. Therefore, it is with great pleasure that I note that Nikolai Lebedev’s film Legend N17 is an outstanding picture created by Russian cinema for the first time in many years. At the moment, this film is the best representative of the new film system of the post-Soviet period. Let’s get straight to the point.
When you find something you truly love, you will be surprised at how much you can do.
The film begins with one of the memories of the future legend of Soviet hockey Valery Kharlamov, to whom, in fact, the film is dedicated. The purpose of this seemingly uninfluenced scene is to show the moment when the little boy was motivated to work on himself and strive for victory, to be the best of the best. Time transports us from the dynamic flashback at the moment. Valery has found what his soul is about - hockey, and among those around him he is the best. Amazingly shows the development of the character of the main character. If at the beginning of the film he is an ambitious guy who is well aware of his talent and demonstrates it in every possible way, sometimes very selfishly, then by the end of the film we see an accomplished personality, a beautiful athlete, legend number 17. But, as you know, champions are not born, they become. And who knows what the fate of Valery Kharlamov would have been if he had not met the second legend - the hockey coach Anatoly Tarasov.
Despite the fact that the film is biographical and is dedicated directly to Valery Kharlamov, the authors do not forget the fact that the natural talent of the hockey player fell into very skillful hands as a precious stone, subject to the master’s processing. And this "processing" is shown very extensively. Anatoly Tarasov was famous in Soviet sports for his non-standard, tough, and sometimes cruel approach to training. "Legend N17" is divided into two parts - the formation of Kharlamov and let him to the legend, which was marked by victory in the super series. And the first part is my favorite, because it shows how the individual egoism of an athlete who thinks nothing but his “I” breaks down. Valery is self-confident, leads the puck alone, scores a goal, but the team does not form, relying solely on his own strength. And here the biographical genre turns into a psychological drama, and we see how harshly and skillfully Tarasov literally knocks out Kharlamov’s pride, makes him listen to his words, accustoms him to work in the team. I think the lessons Kharlamov received from this indisputably outstanding master will be useful to him not only in sports, but also in life.
The second part tells about the life of an athlete after a severe spinal injury resulting from an accident. Here we are faced with a strong man who is unable to accept his position. The disease takes away his only passion in life, for which he quarrels with his family and breaks up with his girlfriend. Hockey is his whole life. And in the end, he gives a slack and begins to reason that “if there is no hockey, then let there be nothing at all.” But here the wise Tarasov comes to his aid, who now instructs him not as a coach, but as a father and mentor. Just a dramatic scene in the morgue. You involuntarily think about what a strong man Tarasov is, because he also lost everything that was his life, but does not lose restraint and does not let a young talented guy ruin his life.
You have to live. Not for fame and awards. Live and play. And make choices every day.
You can talk a lot about this film, but I can not ignore the amazing performance of the actors. I will begin, perhaps, with a person who with this work simply discouraged and shocked me. Oleg Menshikov, despite the complete lack of resemblance to Tarasov, so subtly and professionally noticed his qualities and so widely showed them to the viewer that every phrase he said literally goosebumps goose in formation. Every look, every line, his whole image was filled with a clear idea of what he was doing and why, with such exceptional confidence and strength of character that nothing came to mind except the enthusiastic "Bravo!" I especially remember the scene in the morgue and, of course, the final scene, where Tarasov, as a father, is sincerely proud of his boys who have done the impossible. This must be Oleg Menshikov’s best role. A tough, but at the same time caring coach who combines irrepressible talent, self-confidence, and fatherly warmth. Bravo!
Of course, Daniel Kozlovsky, who played the main role. I saw him for the first time in the movie We’re from the Future, and it’s amazing how much this guy has grown professionally. He was self-confident, youthful, ambitious, romantic, but at the same time did not lose his human qualities. In the duet with Menshikov looked great. It was nice to see Boris Shcherbakov, Vladimir Menshov in an atypical role for him, and Roman Madianov, and in general the supporting actors were perfectly selected. I especially want to mention dialogues that are written very qualitatively and truly memorable.
Whether you can or can’t, it’s always up to you.
The film was made extremely well. This is a beautiful installation, and a great sound, and a beautiful picture. And in general, if we talk about impressions in general, it is clear that the creation was approached really seriously, and not "just how" as we like. It's all worked out in detail. Every word in place, every character for some reason is needed, every piece of interior complements the atmosphere of the 70s of the 20th century. This is one of those movies where you don’t want to take anything away. Many people reproach Legend 17 for its pathosity. Especially for such people, I would like to note that the film of the genre “biography”, which contains information from the real life of a real-life legendary person simply cannot be shot without pathos! Paphos, or rather directorial maximalism, is necessary in this genre, otherwise there was no effect of presence. He's not here for suspense, moments like that are really needed. And yes – the funeral march at the match really played!
Only
How many copies were broken in disputes about “Russian” cinema, about “Soviet”, about comparing the first with the second or the second with the first, or “about the great devastation in the great Russian cinema” – can not be counted. Sometimes it seems that in order to disassemble a new Russian-language tape and form an opinion about it, it is better to avoid words formed from “Soviets” and “Russia”, as well as “politics”, “America”, etc. If desired, this succeeds, but, unfortunately, not in the case of Legend N17 - the film affects the interests of many layers of society, and defending their point of view are ready for any verbal tricks that would artistic merits (or shortcomings) to fix the tape one or another ideological position. Which, of course, exists in someone’s mind, but not in the film, and the person discussing it has to be Hector, so as not to break his spear in another argument.
At the level of costs for this film, it is pointless to talk about the acting, shooting techniques, artistic techniques. The money is invested, professionals are hired on them, who fully work out the funds: the picture is smooth and beautiful, the characters are played convincingly and confidently, ranging from the nicely sweet Kharlamov to the hard coach Tarasov, who seems to be a fool at first sight and turns out to be a thoughtful strategist after. The only role that can cause some embarrassment to the viewer is Kharlamov’s girlfriend. It seems that the actress is somewhat pinched (although it is possible that this is a subjective impression). There are no claims to the logical construction of the action: everything is competently built in the best traditions of the sports drama genre, all the stamps to one are carefully observed (and in no case should you think that this is an ironic reproach). What sports drama can do without the eternal coach, excommunicated from his loving team, which remembers in the final game of his instruction?
Roughly speaking, the film looks like a thousand times seen before, but such an effect cannot be avoided. It's not "Raging Bull," it's a team drama, so there's no place for individualism. Using a hackneyed expression, we can say: the pleasure of viewing is guaranteed - but only under one condition. Before the session, you need to distract yourself from all sorts of reflections on ideology, templates about bad and good cinema, and even better, do not try to compare Legend N17 with anything and not interpret it as a failure of Russian-language cinema or as the Messiah of the same. Devastation, it's in my head.
I wonder why they can and we can’t. It is enough to revel in the images of Western idols, considering the private and public life of Muhammad Ali, Ray Charles, Bert Monroe ("The Fastest Indian") and Frida Kahlo in a magnifying glass. In our country there were no less bright stars, whose light, despite the efforts of intriguers and harmful idiots, still reaches the next generations.
To be honest, even before watching, I was alerted by two aspects related to the film by Nikolai Lebedev. Firstly, the involvement in the creation of the film studio “TRITE” Nikita Mikhalkov. “Barin” has recently so discredited himself and his work that any opuses, one way or another associated with his name, cause a biased attitude in the viewer in advance. Secondly, judging by the synopsis of the tape, many events from the life of a real hockey player Valery Kharlamov were shuffled for the sake of entertainment. In addition, especially tense hype around the picture and personal participation in the media campaign of the first person of the state, ostentatiously attended the premiere show on the eve of the world championship among juniors.
However, after watching, I changed my mind a little. It turned out that the influence of Mikhalkov is almost not felt. Hollywood tracing, which the creators used to whip up drama, worked as always, and it is not our fault that this genre pattern is not a domestic invention. And the fact that Putin’s reaction resembles a cinematic portrait of Leonid Ilyich is a successful metaphor that perfectly characterizes the relationship between generations and the fact that nothing changes in our country.
Many copies were broken online about the reliability of historical events and the “correctness” of the images of Kharlamov, Tarasov and other hockey stars of that period. Opinions, both laudatory and enthusiastic, and sharply negative. This only proves that our for some time was able to shoot something worthy of wide distribution in cinemas of the country, and not just sawed the budget and threw the product into retail on digital media.
... The first life lesson in the series “Do not stand under the arrow” young Valera received in deep Spanish childhood. Since then, his character has been tempered incredibly, which does not prevent the hockey player from experiencing puppy joy from the realization of his own ideals. And ideally, Valery sees himself as a famous, successful, famous athlete. And unlike his peers and colleagues on the ice, he does a lot for it. Even more than necessary.
The first pancake was a lump. Hoping to get to Japan with a run, the fledgling Kharlamov, along with his friend Guskov, goes to "raise the virgin land" in Chebarkul, where not even all the locals know that the city has a hockey team. True to his principles, Valery stoically opposes the traditional method of playing the Zvezda team and quickly makes his way to the next league. After that, the legendary Tarasov can no longer resist his presence in CSKA training.
Tarasov’s methods of educating champions cause despair in Kharlamov, breaking on the ice, against the background of which he converges on a short leg with a sports official Balashov. The latter has long sharpened his teeth on the famous coach of CSKA and the national team, hoping to use Valery as a “fablewriter”. However, time and work have worn everything, and now Kharlamov is fighting for the title of world champions in the star three, shoulder to shoulder with Mikhailov and Petrov.
On the nose of the national team is a responsible trip to Canada, where local NHL stars are definitely going to kick Soviet upstarts their communist ass. Valery is torn between his love, blackmailing antics of Balashov, not in time received an injury and the desire to break the Canadians aki Tuzik warmer.
No matter whether you like hockey or not, the picture of Nikolai Lebedev is simply obliged to please you. It's designed. Because, in fact, it is not about hockey, as not about boxing narrate the classic dramas “Rocky” and “Million Dollar Baby”, and not about baseball is the picture “The Man Who Changed Everything”. We are told a typical success story. The genre, which in any design, be it the gangster saga “The Godfather” or the drama “Escape from Shawshank”, is popular and in demand. And let the authors of Legends 17 deliberately take their story out of the context of reality, ending the film on a major note. In the end, those who are curious, easily unearth information about the fact that the same super series with the Canadians our eventually lost, and that Valery Kharlamov after 9 years tragically died in a car accident.
New Russian filmmakers have long been trying to return to Soviet origins. Basically, extremely clumsily reanimating classical works. Sequels, remakes, alternative readings. All these “ironies of fate with sequels” were absolutely unimpressive, and “great films about the war” were irritating. It turned out to be simple. There is no need to reshoot and finish, think after others. There are real people, real heroes, symbols of the era, and not intrigues, scandals, investigations sucked out of a finger.
And yet some are indignant: they lied, did not reveal, did not bring to mind. Forgetting at the same time that the film format simply cannot fit the biography of such a large-scale personality. Yes, the picture could be less melodrama, less Balashov-Menshov, and the prelude to the ordeals of Kharlamov in Chebarkul could be safely reduced. But at the same time, it would have been necessary to sacrifice the brilliant Tarasov performed by Menshikov and the meticulous recreation of the era, which would certainly lead to the “Legend No. 17” dry chewing of facts. Simply because it is important to convey to the audience not a list of victories, achievements, titles, but a person. And with this task Lebedev and Kozlovsky almost coped.
The general design, alas, suffers from the sins of stylization. Not under the Soviet retro, but under the beaten Hollywood clichés. Both a completely optional opening scene and an unwarranted emphasis on team personality, although the whole principle of the game requires the opposite. The creators did not take into account the fact that hockey is a team sport, describing the famous match in Montreal in a clearly selfish way. Again, for the sake of entertainment and the format of big cinema. Many people did not like the shuffling of facts and events, as well as the excessive enthusiasm of the film’s authors for party and sports squabbles. But still, in most moments, the mood was correctly guessed: the heat of passions before meeting with Canadians, and the famous Tarasov training, and his manner of communicating with “semi-finished products”, and the emotional state of Soviet fans at the TV.
The result was a movie that was talked about a lot before the premiere and often slandered after. Not a biography of the great master, but a slice of history, a bright flashback, an educational and patriotic film for the broadest masses. Even for those who have not yet been interested in the history of Soviet hockey. And if someone watching the picture will prompt to dig into the glorious sports past of the USSR, then this is an undoubted plus. It is a pity that the premiere of Legends No. 17 was preceded by an extremely unsuccessful performance of our national team at the World Cup in 2013, drawing an unpleasant parallel between what was and what has become.
8 out of 10
It's emotion. It's passion. It's life. It's Hockey!
I waited a long time to watch this movie. Maybe it was because of my distrust of Russian cinema, or maybe the adverts made me turn my nose away from this film. I finally saw it.
I can say with absolute certainty that this is the best film of the last 20 years. Why did I dare to make this conclusion?
1 Actors.
Magnificent Danila Kozlovsky, my favorite from the film "We are from the future", in the talent of which I never doubted, Svetlana Ivanova, which simply performed its task well, and also in particular I want to note Oleg Menshikov, stunningly played coach Anatoly Tarasov. In this film, this actor opened up for me, now I will wait for him to continue his successful work. Thanks to the beautiful acting, you begin to sincerely sympathize with the characters of the picture.
2) Playing games.
Great! This is the kind of word that the filmmakers did when they “created” hockey. I wondered if all these actors were athletes.
Although you know the score of the historic USSR-Canada match in advance, it still seems at some point that this is a real game and that they may lose. I even wanted to scream after every shot.
3 Plot.
The film is biographical, but not so. Many moments in reality was not (this is obvious even to those who are not familiar with the biography of Kharlamov), for example, the scene with the bull. Yes, beautiful, yes symbolic, but before the first exit of Valery Kharlamov on the ice in the CSKA was frankly boring.
Summing up, I can say that we have a film that can be called a step up for Russian cinema, which is definitely pleasing.
8 out of 10
I haven’t watched TV or seen a movie in years. So this movie somehow passed me by. I haven't even heard from him. Maybe I just didn’t pay attention.
And yesterday I was very impressed with the movie “Champions”, and in the reviews for it I came across constant references to “Legend N17”.
You know, I really like the trend of rallying the Russian people. And even agitation for it. Although, some people want to rally “against someone”, and it would be good to unite “for something”. For something good!
I really liked that, it would seem, the enemy - Canadians, are not shown as the main villains in the fate of our Soviet team. And even the Soviet system only helps to become an impenetrable force.
The main victories here are victories over oneself. Over the egoism of victory, over pride, over the human mind, which often whispers to people that they are not capable of something.
In one of the reviews I came across, it says about the iron dramaturgy of the film. I more than agree with that statement. The storylines show how a seemingly unpleasant event in a person’s life can become (and usually miraculously becomes) a clue and main support in some difficult life situation.
I think movies like this should be shown especially to teenage boys. And I'll definitely show it to my son when he's a little older. My daughters, too, I guess. To see realized men, burning with a great idea!
10 out of 10
This film is like a light at the end of a tunnel for Russian cinema, in which centuries on the wide screens risked to release a film that is in the opposite direction from the gangster showdowns and pathetic similarities to comedies, which in recent years are stuffed with the repertoire of cinemas.
The theme was chosen quite successfully - a sports drama, plus everything else, which involves a real person who glorified the Union much more than politicians did in those years. Personality Valery Kharlamov deserved a separate film adaptation, but in the case of the film director Nikolai Lebedev, the film was based on the brightest period in the life of the main character.
Of course, the director could continue his story and end it with an unfortunate catastrophe, but it becomes obvious that the main message to the viewer in the thoughts of the film’s authors was not the biography or life of Kharlamov, but his achievements. Let "Legend N17" and gives the brilliance of Hollywood, but it is better to let the viewer indulge in a borrowed smile than the eternally depressing themes of treason, murder and other idols of Russian cinema.
The film is not thorough in order to consider it on a global scale, but shot well and by home standards very high quality. There are no complaints about acting, I did not observe the usual falsehood and unnaturalness, and the film itself looks easy, without bothering the viewer with an excess of problems and difficulties.
Legend N17 is a stunning creation of Russian cinema. It's just a great movie! I recently watched this movie because I couldn’t go to the movies. The plot of the film tells about the Soviet hockey team and about the great hockey player Valery Kharlamov! On the formation of this unusual athlete, in a world star.
The film itself shot very well, in my opinion, perfectly shot the scenes of the games on the ice. Everything looks dynamic and spectacular, arranged, which is unusual for Russian cinema. The actors played well, especially Oleg Menshikov, as coach Tarasov. Of course, I do not know what coach Anatoly Tarasov really was, but I really liked the image that showed Menshikov as a tough and devoted coach, and in general, a real, so to speak, man who does not buckle under the system.
I advise you to watch the film with your parents, the whole family, I am sure that they will like it, they lived in the Soviet Union and many supported Soviet hockey players. I myself am not very fond of hockey, but after watching this film, I began to follow the news of this sport, this is an interesting game - hockey!
Of course, this picture is in my collection of favorite films and I will review it more than once.
Russian cinema today reaches its apogee when, when viewing, the viewer unwittingly develops pride in his throne. At this moment, each of us becomes not just a patriot, but a person who knows what he is striving for and what he has already achieved, to be proud of. With the help of such films, the fog of delusions, prejudices in our head is dispelled, and life reference points, true, indisputable, are visible on the horizon that it is simply impossible not to notice them or bypass them. This is the highest goal, and the highest award, to those who preferred the Russian film directed by Nikolai Lebedev “Legend N17” to the modern American “film garbage”. Fully justifying, and even insisting on this choice, it is worth saying the following: the film is worthy, and within the framework in which the current domestic cinema is simply amazing. You can understand this at least by the first frames, the original introduction to the topic, striking in its color and spontaneity. Spain, fiesta, uncle is a fantastic character, from legends, where every local resident is a bullfighter. How difficult it is to connect all this with hockey, and not just to connect, but to make it completely necessary for a full understanding of the film. Every detail in the film was thought out, pertinent, which says at a high level “Legends N17”, freely competing not only with local films, but also with films an order of magnitude higher than them.
The main character of the film - Valery Kharlamov - the legendary hockey player, his perseverance and patience (which is so uncharacteristic for someone whose veins flow hot Spanish blood) proved that everything is possible in this life, the question is only in a person who overcomes another life obstacle. Including this film and about the whole team of the USSR victorious superprofessionals from Canada, which previously seemed unimaginable. It is this magnificent victory of ours that is precisely the fertile ground on which anything could be grown, depending only on the skill and desire of the sower. To our delight, it turned out to be quite logical and correct. “Legend N17” is a real hymn to a man, and a Soviet man, for such is possible only for representatives of one country, one camp. Perhaps it is overly pretentious, exaggerated, which is typical of almost all Russian films that aim at something high, but nevertheless it does not look stupid, abhorrent. And all because of those advantages that hundreds of times outweigh the minuses. The main thing is that the picture looks holistic, looks in one breath, and the hockey match itself seems to be experienced in real time. Also, the eye lingers on ordinary, everyday trifles, so accurately noticed, betraying the irony of a serious picture. All this is, at the moment, a sample of the Russian box office tape, always finding its viewer, because it was shot for the viewer about the best version of it, with clear instructions on how to achieve this state.
Bottom line: the film is definitely good, and it is worth watching at least to make sure once and for all: not everything is lost. There are also wise directors, talented actors, worthy of the plot. We have a lot to make movies out of, and after Legend N17, the belief in it and the desire for it is even greater!
It would seem that the theme of sports is pathos, pure Hollywood, but the film is saturated with Russian color, the people on the screen are not cardboard, but real, ours, they feel the soul.
Hockey is shown perfectly, empathize with the players, despite the fact that the real match has long been played, the winners and losers have long been announced, and the score can be viewed on the Internet.
At the level and reliability of events. It was funny to see a Canadian journalist who said at a press conference that he would eat a newspaper with his article if Soviet hockey players scored at least one puck. In real life, in the film, this moment, however, was not shown, this man sat down after the match on the steps at the entrance to the hotel in which our athletes lived, and began to crumble the publication in a plate of soup.
P.S. Kozlovsky is always good. A worthy actor: he is called in movies not because of his beautiful appearance, but because of really outstanding acting data. Bravo! And looks like Kharlamov.
It's strange that I even went to see this movie. A good friend of his advised me. He said he was worth watching, inspiring, motivating.
I decided to read the movie first. Vague doubts crept in. Sports, biography, and even a Russian film. How could he have liked my friend so much?
But since I said I'd look, I'll do it. So I'm sitting in a movie theater. Immediately I noticed the style of shooting. It felt like time. The hero's childhood was filmed on 16 mm film, the main story - on 35 mm, and the match in Canada - on digital cameras. Very interesting pictures and plans. I'm not a professional, but I was inspired.
Of course, the biography is a bunch, there are inconsistencies, but I think the crew did not set the goal in the film. The goal was to show the legend. And they showed it.
Yes, he was a simple boy, out of whom grew a fighting teenager with ambition, from which later grew a strong man. It is told about not giving up, about how important the teacher is, and even a little about love.
Personally, I especially liked the image of the hockey player, the so-called legend. I liked his coach Anatoly Tarasov more. Yes, he was dug under, yes, maybe he sometimes seemed to mock his students. But it is necessary to understand what wise thoughts he passed on to his pupils, how he worried for them, and you see this man from the other side - not the dictator, as the leadership wanted him to be, but a real spiritual teacher.
I think I'll end my review here. Who is interested - look who is not - he is still not interested. I won't spoil it.
I watched the film without being familiar with the biography of Kharlamov and Tarasov, as well as with hockey history. And he made an overall good impression. Yes, there is a cranberry for a better effect: hanging on ropes between the pipes of the CHP, the puck in the last second of the game, chewing Canadian hockey players, and the case of a bull in the beginning seems implausible. But at the same time, good acting. No one was surprised, not even the actors. No vulgarity or cruelty. The film is predictable, but still makes you worry. After that, there is a bright feeling.
After watching, I decided to get acquainted with the biography of the heroes and history. It turned out that the film has a lot of biographical and historical inaccuracies. I can understand the discontent of people who live in hockey, who witnessed those events. The authors of the picture, indeed, allowed themselves many liberties. But they did not change the main features in the characters and did not change the essence of the attitude to what is happening. That's the point. Kharlamov persistent, honest, strong in spirit? Yeah. Has he become a champion? Yeah. Can players be a team? Yeah. Was it a great team? Yeah. Tarasov is a great strategist and mentor who knows how to recognize talent and properly educate it morally? Yeah. No one in this film is slandered or vilified. Therefore, after watching it, there is pride in the country, the desire to imitate the heroes in moral qualities, respect for the achievements of ancestors, no matter what power these achievements are accomplished, and the desire to play sports. That's what the movie is designed for. He is fulfilling his patriotic task. Even if people after watching it get acquainted with the real story, they will not be disappointed in the characters. That's the point. It is important to know, appreciate and strive for personal achievements, including in the name of their country.
The plot of the film is not a filmed biography of the famous Soviet hockey player Kharlamov, but an artistic retelling of a large and beautiful legend about him. Legends about a man who is capable of the impossible for the sake of the cause he chose for himself.
And then some reshuffle of the hero’s life events, the exact nationality of his mother, the real family way of coach Tarasov – all this is absolutely justified for the picture, if it is able to brighten the power and strength of its actors. We see the formation of this force: the path from the recklessly sharp movements and actions of Valery Kharlamov to the strong-willed look and unsurpassed honing of actions on the ice.
We see another hero, whose life seems even more strongly and inextricably intertwined with hockey - the greatest coach Anatoly Tarasov. The look of his black deep eyes, which contains all the hidden passion of his nature (O. Menshikov – this is the real Tarasov!), inseparably and constantly follows the ice, the downs and ups of students, he does not accept any compromises. “Tell Leonid Ilyich that hockey must be respected,” Tarasov says and proudly leaves the match with his team, which costs him his suspension from the coaching post. But a great coach and a great team are united, so even the other continent gets his focused look, helping the team to achieve the impossible in a match with the Canadians.
The new Russian cinema, no matter how much it is criticized, finally managed to create a whole and very strong film about real people with whole characters who are able to stand their ground, overcoming any obstacles - whether it's personal experiences, severe conflicts with colleagues, political intrigue or severe injuries, who are able to say to themselves "you do not hurt" and move on.
It's a lie, it's a hint! A good lesson. Or trap number 17.
Anyone writing a negative review is forced to start with excuses: they say that he loves and loved Soviet and Russian hockey, and Kharlamov in particular, and in general a patriot. I will follow this tradition, because there was no Soviet teenager who did not admire our national team of those years, and did not adore Kharlamov, who did not scream to blue at black and white TVs - there was no more. So we'll finish with excuses.
Obviously, anyone who has seen and remembers that the film has nothing to do with Kharlamov and Soviet hockey. In fact, it is indicated in the title: “Legend”. Legend is, as the source of all our misconceptions says, Wikipedia – one of the varieties of fairy tale folklore, as a rule, contains additional religious or social pathos. This could be finished – a fairy tale, it is a fairy tale, and pathos contains, everything as it should be.
The problem is another: as shown by conversations with the younger generation, which did not see or hurt, they perceive the fairy tale, the legend as the truth.
Some will argue that the younger generation should be brought up on heroic examples. The key word here: “to be educated”, i.e. it is assumed the age of the educated, i.e. up to fourteen years, and for the good, much less – when children begin to suspect that something is wrong with grandfathers Frost and storks, as they were told.
That is, it is assumed that the teenager will take a book, or, there, a tablet and try to find out how it really happened. Because living in the black and white world of fairy-tale heroes, simple truths, is simply dangerous. Otherwise, an infantile unlearner will grow up with a manipulated mind. And those who think that there is nothing wrong with the manipulated mind should be aware that the threads can fall not only into its wise hands, and then disaster can happen.
But the authors, apparently, do not think so, as does their spiritual father, who for some reason continues to be considered a great Russian director. These new storytellers forget that all this already happened: there were fairy tales about Lenin’s grandfather, then about him, a ghoulish man; about Chapai, Kolchak, Zhukov, Stalin. It would be good if these fairy tales gradually became folklore, and wise grandmothers, when it was necessary to feed the child manna porridge, or, conversely, to restrain, frighten, told about Koschei, then about Kolobka, then about Chapai, then about Lenin. But when the fairy tales try to sculpt History, the storytellers thereby show at least disrespect for their own people, and for the great, though difficult, History; and consider the people too stupid and infantile, and History too terrible. It's like they give themselves away.