Rasputin (1996) (TV)

User Rating:

7.1/10   

Director:

Uli Edel

Writer (WGA):

Peter Pruce (written by)

Release Date:

23 March 1996 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | History

Tagline:

He was a magician. A madman. A savior and seducer....

Plot:

HBO biopic about the infamous "mad monk" Rasputin from the court of Tsar Nicholas in Russia.

Plot Keywords:

Russia | Russian Revolution | Child Execution | Czar | Good Versus Evil

Awards:

Won 3 Golden Globes. Another 5 wins & 10 nominations

Cast

Alan Rickman	...	Grigori Rasputin
Greta Scacchi	...	Tsarina Alexandra
Ian McKellen	...	Tsar Nicholas II
David Warner	...	Dr. Botkin
John Wood	...	Prime Minister Stolypin
James Frain	...	Prince Felix Yusupov
Ian Hogg	...	Purishkevich
Sheila Ruskin	...	Princess Marisa
Peter Jeffrey	...	Bishop Hermogones
Freddie Findlay	...	Alexei
Julian Curry	...	Dr. Lazovert
László Áron	...	Imperial Chauffeur (as Laszlo Aron)
János Bata	...	Detective #1
István Bicskei	...	Derevenko
István Bubik	...	Landowner's son

Also Known As:

Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny (USA) (video box title)

MPAA:

Rated R for violence and brief sexuality.

Runtime:

135 min | Germany:96 min

Country:

USA | Hungary

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

Iceland:12 | Canada:14+ (Ontario) | South Korea:15 | Finland:K-16 (video premiere) | Germany:16 | Spain:13 | UK:15 (video premiere) | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Budapest, Hungary

Company:

Home Box Office (HBO)

Trivia:

Filmed in only eight weeks.

Goofs:

Factual errors: When Rasputin first arrives at Tsarskeo Selo to see the Tsarina, the exterior of the palace shows the Alexander Palace at Tsarskeo Selo, yet in interior is the Winter Palace in St Petersburg.

Quotes:

Dr. Botkin: [Rasputin is giving him The Stare] I can't be hypnotized, so don't bother.

Movie Connections:

Version of Rasputin and the Empress (1932)

Alan Rickman is terrific

Rickman's Rasputan is not only scary, but at times funny. The story of the downfall of the Russian Kingdom and the man and the myth that was Rasputan is now one of HBO better movies. The production value of this made for cable movie is better than most box office duds that try to call themselves period pieces. Rasputan rivals Reds with a better story of the Russian peoples struggle during World War 1 and the start of communist (Soviet)control. Alan Rickman carries the movie as the star of the film. His character acting surpasses other great actors such as Al Pacino and Tim Curry. Without talking, Rickman's use of his eyes create a Rasputan more horrific than any other adaptation to date. A great movie with a powerful ending.