Alexander Nevsky

Alexander Nevsky (1938) Eisenstein Soviet propaganda movie about the invasion of Russia by the Teutonic Knights in 1242. Aimed clearly at Nazi Germany the movie ends with the defeat of the Knights and the warning that "Those who come to us in peace will be welcome as a guest. But those who come to us sword in hand will die by the sword.!" The analogy with Nazi Germany is made obvious as the Teutonic Knights wear Nazi style helmuts and have banners very similar to Germany's . The film is also Anti-Christian as the evil Knights (who literally throw live babies into the fire and kill small Children) have crosses on their uniforms, are constantly shown praying and attending their tent Church. The catholic priests are numerous, old and ugly. At the end of the battle, the victorious peasants destroy the Church and smile as they cut down priests with axes and swords. Pros: score by Prokofiev, acting by Cherkassov (Nevsky), some well directed battle scenes. Cons: The battle is half the movie, characters are propaganda points not people, not much dialogue and most of its simplistic. Summary: Some interesting and well directed battle scenes but Nevsky is a 1930s Soviet propaganda film short on character and human interest. Film buffs and those interested in 1930s Soviet Union will enjoy it, everyone else will be bored. Rating **