Cast
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Mykola Nademskyi
as Grandpa / General
Semen Svashenko
as Tymish, first grandson
Leonid Barbe
as Polish Monk
Heorhiy Astafyev
as Scythian leader
Vladimir Uralskiy
as Peasant
Les Podorozhniy
as Pavlo, second grandson
Mariya Parshyna
as Tymish's wife
Anastasiy Simonov
as Fat officer on the horse (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Oleksandr Dovzhenko
Writer
- Maik Yohansen
- Yuri Tyutyunnyk
- Oleksandr Dovzhenko
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Zvenygora 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 Oleksandr Dovzhenko 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 1928, 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 Zvenygora took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 64 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 1891 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1928, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Zvenygora shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Edukators, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Zvenygora offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Bollywood/Hollywood and Chocolat explore similar territory, Zvenygora 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: April 13, 1928
- Runtime: 1h 32m
