Cast
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Aleksandr Sporykhin
as Rybnikov
Sergey Kushakov
as Schavinsky
Aleksey Guskov
as Lyonechka
Leonid Voron
as sleuth
Svetlana Svirko
as Clothilde
Mikhail Shchetinin
as Matanya
Anna Afanasyeva
as Shchavinskaya
Yevgeni Yerokhin
as Prokhor
Yevgeni Merkuryev
as doorman
Zhanna Sukhopolskaya
as Bertha
Vladimir Glazkov
as Grisha Kulakov
Sergey Kudimov
as 'Pinkerton'
Alisher Suleimenov
as
Aleksandr Kovalyov
as bellman
Crew
Director
- Roza Orynbasarova
Writer
- Vitaly Moskalenko
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, A Sacrifice for the Emperor examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Roza Orynbasarova brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1991, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of A Sacrifice for the Emperor took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 121 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1664 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1991, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While A Sacrifice for the Emperor shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Italian for Beginners, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, A Sacrifice for the Emperor offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like All Quiet on the Western Front and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon explore similar territory, A Sacrifice for the Emperor stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 2, 1991
- Runtime: 1h 25m
