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Alexander Nevsky

The mighty epic of 13th Century Russia...of the "Battle on the Ice" when the invading German hordes led by the Teutonic Knights were driven from the soil of Russia - forever.

1938 · 1h 49m · Not Rated Drama, History, War
Directed by Dmitriy Vasilev , Sergei Eisenstein

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Overview

When German knights invade Russia, Prince Alexander Nevsky must rally his people to resist the formidable force. After the Teutonic soldiers take over an eastern Russian city, Alexander stages his stand at Novgorod, where a major battle is fought on the ice of frozen Lake Chudskoe. While Alexander leads his outnumbered troops, two of their number, Vasili and Gavrilo, begin a contest of bravery to win the hand of a local maiden.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
96%
Tomatometer
Fresh

Sergei Eisenstein's mannerist epic about the Russian hero who warded off the invading Teutonic knights is a near-perfect combination of image and sound.

Sara Cardace, New York Magazine/Vulture
Fresh

The movie is strident, yes, but when it soars, it can't be touched.

Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out New York
Fresh

Edouard Tisse's superb photography and Prokofiev's stirring score contribute to a rhythm that is well-nigh irresistible.

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Rotten

It is impossible... not to marvel at his stylistic insistence that all people walk along a sky-line, and not to wish, in the same breath, that more directors had his talent for doing great things so well and little things so badly.

Frank S. Nugent, New York Times

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