Without knowing what to expect from this Russian docudrama, it proved enthralling from beginning to the final return to earth. The viewer is treated to nothing short of class entertainment from an expert team of Russian producers. Superb stylised images from cinematographer Anton Antonov - Polished direction by Payel Parkkhomenko. The Superior script tends to back up statements made by ex Hollywood 'nasty' Steven Berkoff, who said in a TV interview - words to the effect:...'Writers should be made to work harder to find ways of expressing situations without resorting to the lazy gutter style and language, adding that this has a tendency to turn people into mulch'...Interesting thought, considering enacted movies are not 'documentaries' but merely artificial interpretations of 'reality'. So, just how imperative is all today's over the top 'fake' reality...?
'Gagarin's' excellent screenplay tends to demonstrate Berkoff's claim, by also telling the gritty story of the persecution of Russian peasants during the German occupation - without resorting to unnecessary sensationalism. Toping it all off is a winning performance delivered by Yaroslav Zhalnin as the amiable Yuri Gagarin, the first man to be launched into space!. In fact all cast performances are excellent throughout.
Also impressive is the way this production tells its story within the running time of 108mins (the time it took Gagarin to be hurled around the earth in his primitive tin can). These exemplary Russian movie makers, tell their important true story with a minimum of mocked up CGI effects, delivering a truly spectacular and fully believable experience. The broad music score is curiously supplied by a young composer from Cyprus, George Kallis. Kallis has a love of older classic movie scores and it shows in his melodic sweep. Additional music is supplied by talented British based Michael Eastwood (The Guardians). These men also richly orchestrate their own compositions.
The intense study of personal camaraderie shared by the full team of brave contenders - as they diligently train together for this gigantic leap forward is to be admired. Some critics have said this screenplay leans towards a degree of propaganda but how could this story be told without elements of propaganda? after all, they led the world in putting a man into space and getting him back alive!.
Economic historians have told us it was this feat that lead the US to push forward with several dubious promotions to launch various American 'products' onto the world stage ('Art' can be looked at as one example). Sadly it also looks as if this movie may have been overlooked in the USA...so few posts for this fine work is surprising.
Don't expect an overblown mega million dollar CGI extravaganza but do expect a compelling $9.1/2 million dollar cinematic journey. Discerning viewers will be richly rewarded. In order to keep the film at its perfect 108min running time, the producers don't venture ahead into the difficulties Yury experienced with worldwide hero status, or his tragic death 7 yrs later - during a serious (and highly controversial) test flight disaster that sadly ended his life at just 34 yrs of age. This is an informative entertainment worth being seen by all ages - it would also make great classroom stuff. KenR.
'Gagarin's' excellent screenplay tends to demonstrate Berkoff's claim, by also telling the gritty story of the persecution of Russian peasants during the German occupation - without resorting to unnecessary sensationalism. Toping it all off is a winning performance delivered by Yaroslav Zhalnin as the amiable Yuri Gagarin, the first man to be launched into space!. In fact all cast performances are excellent throughout.
Also impressive is the way this production tells its story within the running time of 108mins (the time it took Gagarin to be hurled around the earth in his primitive tin can). These exemplary Russian movie makers, tell their important true story with a minimum of mocked up CGI effects, delivering a truly spectacular and fully believable experience. The broad music score is curiously supplied by a young composer from Cyprus, George Kallis. Kallis has a love of older classic movie scores and it shows in his melodic sweep. Additional music is supplied by talented British based Michael Eastwood (The Guardians). These men also richly orchestrate their own compositions.
The intense study of personal camaraderie shared by the full team of brave contenders - as they diligently train together for this gigantic leap forward is to be admired. Some critics have said this screenplay leans towards a degree of propaganda but how could this story be told without elements of propaganda? after all, they led the world in putting a man into space and getting him back alive!.
Economic historians have told us it was this feat that lead the US to push forward with several dubious promotions to launch various American 'products' onto the world stage ('Art' can be looked at as one example). Sadly it also looks as if this movie may have been overlooked in the USA...so few posts for this fine work is surprising.
Don't expect an overblown mega million dollar CGI extravaganza but do expect a compelling $9.1/2 million dollar cinematic journey. Discerning viewers will be richly rewarded. In order to keep the film at its perfect 108min running time, the producers don't venture ahead into the difficulties Yury experienced with worldwide hero status, or his tragic death 7 yrs later - during a serious (and highly controversial) test flight disaster that sadly ended his life at just 34 yrs of age. This is an informative entertainment worth being seen by all ages - it would also make great classroom stuff. KenR.