Boris Godunov

Stroyeva's stately adaptation of the deliberately paced Moussorgsky-Pushkin opera depicts the revolt of a false pretender againt the czar. The minimal story is punctuated and enlivened by bursts of rich music and spectacular scenes of pageantry and pomp. The movie is notable for its massive sets, rich costumes, spectacular color and massive crowd scenes. Pirogov is a persuasive Boris, with a deep, stirring bass that conveys all the pathos and drama of his role, especially in a monologue about his guilt. Krivchenva is an imposing Varlaam and also provides one of the high points in the film with her earthy drinking song in the inn. Nellep convincingly carries off bot...