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Visitors Review

2012-05-19 16:04:23

Cinematic Masterpiece Despite Delivery of Propaganda...

Consider this historical notion, that people were bound to their class they were born in Russia when the story of Battleship Potemkin took place. For example, children who were born into farming families had to be farmers too. Over several generations families had split up their land and when their children inherited the land it had diminished in size. Over centuries, the land diminished to such a small size that it no longer provided the means to provide for a family. Lack of income, starvation, and famine forced the farmers to seek work elsewhere while law forced them to remain farmers. The rich bought their land cheap while forcing them to continue to farm the land that they no longer owned. In a sense, it was a form of social slavery enforced through laws made by the tsar."Revolution is war. Of all the wars known in history it is the only lawful, just, and truly great war... In Russia this war has been declared and begun." This statement by Lenin was made in regards to a rebellion on a battleship in the Black Sea, as he wanted to point out that the soldiers would join in the revolution. In the backdrop of this notion, it should be known that Western society had transformed through several revolutions to what it is today's society. Some of the revolutions have been calm considering the blood that has flown in many other revolutions such as the French revolution when countless people were decapitated by the guillotine. Even the United States had its war for independence, which in essence was a revolution against the British who overtaxed the people in the New World. In light of history, most people can relate to the soldiers on the Potemkin.Eisenstein offers an experience, which in itself, is a cinematic revolution, as he utilizes montage and editing in a way that had never been done before. Even today, filmmakers use Eisenstein's editing technique, which helps augment emotions and the meaning of the situation. Several scenes display a number of ideas through a montage where the audience can observe a number of powerful symbols in regards to the uprising. However, the editing would not be what it is if it was not for the tempo of the editing. The tempo generates a rhythm for each image in a timely fashion, which strikes the retina of the audience at the right moments to provide the strongest possible affect on the audience. The Soviet regime, more or less, instructed Sergei Eisenstein to make Battleship Potemkin, as they wanted to have a document that supported the Communist revolution. Eisenstein's editing method induces vivid realism, as each scene is brought to life. In essence, what Eisenstein does is to make it very realistic, which enhances the visual message for the audience. This has lead many to regard Battleship Potemkin as a true event, which in fact is not completely true. Yet, it was something that the Soviet regime must have appreciated, as this film promoted the Communist party's propaganda.Despite being propaganda, the audience can relate to the situation of the navy men on the Potemkin who are very discontent with the rotten meat and lack of opportunity for rest. Discontent brews frustration and irritation within the ship's crew, as the authority of the ship treats the men worse than prisoners of war. Understanding the history provides an interesting connection between the navy men and the farmers of Russia, which Eisenstein used in order to create solidarity among the people of the Soviet Union through the film. When the Admiral attempts to address the discontent among the crew it leads to him giving the command to cover up some of the discontent men with a huge white trap. Consequently, he orders the execution of these men, however, the film's unknown hero, Vakulinchuk exclaims, "Brothers! Who are you shooting at?" This leads to a mutiny on the ship, which the crew wins at the cost of Vakulinchuk's death.The death of Vakulinchuk leads to a great gathering where the people display the sorrow for the fallen hero. As the gathering continues to grow people, begin to voice their discontent with the tsar, which Eisenstein depicts through risen fists in the air and animated gestures by the actors. It eventually leads to the most famous scene in the film, the massacre at the Odessa Steps, where the Cossacks kill at random men, women, and children. There is one scene in the whole sequence that is stunningly edited, as it will twist the guts of the audience. It depicts how a child is shot and falls on the steps and while laying on the steps panicked people trample on the child. The mother witnesses the whole scene, as she lifts up her child in her arms while approaching the shooting Cossacks. This scene is visually loaded and poignantly tormenting; however, the message is clear and powerful, as the people are ready to join the revolution.Many consider Battleship Potemkin as one of the cinematic masterpieces of all time, and rightfully so. It is true that it has a political value for Communism, yet it also displays a brilliant visual narration that many will continue to study for a long time. The film received a ban in several nations after its release, even in Soviet Union by Stalin who feared an uprising in the military ranks. It has been suggested that the film heavily influenced Luis Buñuel, as he was holding onto stones in case of a negative reaction by the audience during the opening of his first film, Un Chien Andalou (1929).Despite its political intention, Battleship Potemkin offers an interesting notion in regards to humanity, which Eisenstein brings out through his skillful direction. The film also offers a truly brilliant cinematic experience through the exceptional montage. All of the cinematic components make it look much like a modern film, which the audience might see in the theater. Yet, the silence, the musical score in the background, and the black and white film raise the awareness in the audience that this film has earned it's well deserved spot in film history as one of the best films ever made.

2012-05-19 03:23:00

Only if you can get it cheap. No special features.

The movie: 5 stars.The dvd edition: 2 stars, okay picture, good score, no special features, average on the whole.A nice little DVD edition, if you get it cheap. Not worth the same price as a Criterion DVD for its lack of special features and general cheap-lookingness.Image was quite good, especially for a silent. The score, i believe, composed by Eistenstein collaborator Prokofiev, was wonderful.If this is your only way of seeing Battleship Potemkin, however, i couldn't recommend it highly enough. The main attraction of this DVD is the movie itself, which is more than worth the price of entry. No matter how many people tell you about the Odessa steps sequence, you'll still be impressed by it. The most moving single sequence in all of silent cinema - and one of my favourite sequences in all cinema. Such brilliant editing, such brilliant movement down the steps. And the imaginative little episodes as we move down the steps: the famous pram rolling down the steps, the little boy who gets shot and trampled on, his wailing mother who picks him up and marches up the steps towards the descending cossacks (this moment is pictured on the DVD cover).The movie is a very moving experience, and has become one of my favourites. If there is no Criterion edition or edition with special features, i'd say get this (but try not to pay too much for it - as i said, its pretty much just the movie).

Boba_Fett1138 2012-05-19 21:36:37

Phenomenal editing and cinematography!

The storytelling in this movie is great. The movie has some extremelygood editing which make the pace of this movie quite high and some ofthe sequence's truly exciting. The cinematography is what make thisalso a visual masterpiece. This movie truly is a milestone in moviemaking.For a silent movie, there really is some good character development. Itreally was something that surprised me. Also the acting was very well.In American and German movies from the same time period, the actorswere terribly overacting with exaggerated body gestures. Theperformance's in "Bronenosets Potyomkin" all feel way more natural.Because of this all the emotions feel very real and you can actuallyfeel for the characters.The movie is filled with some truly exciting scene's. Some of theaction was extremely well done and there were some very tense moments.The Odessa Staircase sequence's of course is a real classic and for agood reason. It really is one of the best executed and most powerfulsequence's in movie history.Only small point of critique is that the movie drags on for too long atcertain points. Some of the sequence's are simply too long.All in all a literal and figural revolutionary movie that simply is amust see.9/10http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/

Kieran Kenney 2012-05-19 08:07:16

Outstanding but overrated work. Eisenstein's other work is much more interesting.

The first time I saw Potemkin, I must have been around 12, and Ibet it was the first silent drama I'd seen, after Metropolis. I hatedit.I saw it recently again, along with a couple of other Eisensteinpictures. While I felt that Strike and October were both superiorfilms, I really liked Potemkin a lot more.Now, also I understand more some of the things Eisenstein wasdoing with editing and camera work. I would like to point out, tothose who say Eisenstein invented "montage", that D.W. Griffithwas doing the same thing ten years earlier. Extreme close-upscame around in 1903, with films like The Gay Shoe Clerk. Tracking shots are in a huge number of films predating this film byalmost a decade (Intolerance, Cabiria). No, Eisenstein did notinvent these visual tools. Nor did he really perfect them (I doubtanyone has truly done that). What he did was try to utilize them tocreate a stirring and powerful cinematic experience, which hecertainly did.One thing I love about Eisenstein's films is his use of "types",really distinctive-looking actors. The citizens of Odessa lookfascinating, especially the wealthy-looking woman with the veiledhat. The ship's creepy-looking, bearded and mustachioed doctorwas very effective as an evil presence just asking to be overthrown.Eisenstein also provides us with plenty of beefy, sexy sailors,which you really can't complain about. Those opening scenes arepretty hot, if you ask me.So, overall, this is a good film. I like the acting, the camerawork,the editing. However, I wish film professors would stop showingthe Odessa steps sequence in their classes. Young students withno understanding of Soviet cinema will watch that and promptlygive up on the genre. The scene feels clumsy and disconnectedtoday, and plays on the common misperception that all silent filmwas overstated gesturing and unrealistic character decisions. Atleast they're not showing them Earth (I hope).

Charlie Korch 2012-05-13 05:33:51

This is a cinematic masterpiece, way ahead of its time.

There are only a handful of movies that were made on such a grand scale andmade such a difference in the art of movie making."Bronenosets Potyomkin" is one of these movies, and it should be on anyone'slist looking to learn more about the history of cinema. Grigori Aleksandrov & Sergei M. Eisenstein directed this groundbreaking filmthat documents the horrors taking place on a Russian battleship. When thesailors finally retaliate against their superiors, the locals embrace thethem, and support them. Things get ugly when a group of soldiers are sent tothe small town to take care of business. What follows is one of the mostimitated scenes in the history of cinema. Anyone who hasseen"The Untouchables", and "Bronenosets Potyomkin" knows exactly what Imean.Overall I think this movie raised the bar for film making just as"Intolerance" did a few years earlier. If you do not mind silent films, doyourself a favor, and see "Bronenosets Potyomkin". If you don't like silent films..... watch "Bronenosets Potyomkin" anyway.

2012-05-12 21:52:25

Powerful

With modern multi-million dollar blockbusters with computer effects, an OLD film like this can be difficult to watch. With the masterful scoring, it justs adds to the effect.Film School students have undoubtedly seen the "Odessa Step" sequence. It is a great source of semiotic analysis with editing cuts and cuts to shapes. Not to mention the diagonal lines. This scene, with the baby carriage incident, was used in "The Untouchables".The "Odessa Step" scene is the part I remember the most. The mother carrying her small son up to the soldier's after he'd been shot. They shot her, and walk over the body. Or the young mother with the baby in the carriage, you know the baby is going to go down the steps because that's what happens in every other movie.

marquis de cinema 2012-05-10 05:32:37

Six Star Excellence

Bronenosets Potyomkin/Battleship Potemkin(1925) was made to comemorate thetwentifth anniversary of the Russian Rebellion of 1905. It is the greatestsilent film of all time as well as the greatest foreign film of all time. Its a political films with messages that support the idea of communism. Thestory takes place after the defeat at the hands of the Japanese Navy duringRussia's war with Japan. The power of image takes place in this filmespcially in the Odessa steps massacre. The use of montage is surpurb andthe acting is very good. It contains one of the most famous scenes in thehistory of the cinema with the "Odessa Steps massacre". It would beborrowed from De Palma for The Untouchables(1987), and parodied for TheNaked Gun 33.3(1991). It was recently restored after years of being cut dueto the violent and sometimes bloody scenes depicted in the film. This yearmarks the 75th Anniversary of the movie which is a reason to give this filmspecial treatment to be released in the theatres as this is a movie thatdeserves it.

peqdavid5 2012-05-09 16:44:11

A breathe-taking and innovative film

Silent cinema has a special delight because sometimes you can't expresswith dialog an idea that can be shown in a single frame. In "BattleshipPotemkin" we find a young and inspired Eisenstein that wanted to dosomething for the upcoming anniversary of the October Revolution. Thefamous case of the rebel crew of the Potemkin and the Odessa massacrelooked like the perfect plot for a director with unique vision. Thisfilm took Eisenstein to glory and to hatred. Why? Foreign film criticsconsidered the film as a work of art (which it is) but the Russianpeople and politicians hated it because it gave "a bad image" of theUSSR. After some good but forgotten films ("October" is a niceexample), Eisenstein ran away from his detractors and finished his lifefilming some ambitious films in Mexico and Japan. Sergei became theEuropean version of Orson Welles: no film of his after "Potemkin"became as famous or recognized. Something curious happens with thismovie: every time you watch it you find something new and fascinatingabout it. After 20 times I watched it, I realized that not only is thefinest editing work in the history of cinema, is one of the greatestand spectacular war films of all time. By the way, I read the triviafew days ago and I learned that it was Chaplin's favorite film. Now Iunderstand why.

2012-04-30 09:36:30

NOT HONEST -- BUT GREAT CINEMA NONETHELESS!

IN A NUTSHELL: A MUTINY DURING A FAILED REBELLION IS RE-ENACTED GRAPHICALLY!The cast was comprised of people that looked the part rather than actors, and the film was divided into five ACTS. Each act focused on an incident with graphic images, and a story line that illustrated the 1905 uprising, and its convulsively violent consequences. The power of "BATTLESHIP POTEMKIN" is maximized and dramatized to amplify the impact of the historical incident by balancing a docu-drama like realism with a shrewd orchestration of visually graphic images and timely editing.WHAT ITS ALL ABOUT: SAVE THE RUSSIAN PROLETARIAT WITH GENTLE STALINISM?Stalin had become "General Secretary" of the Soviet regime as Lenin became gravely ill. After Lenin's death in 1924, Stalin commissioned this film, which is significant, as their is the depiction of the Czarist government as a mob of baby killing Cossacks that needed to be replaced with a regime that would care and nurture the common peasant. The theme of salvation via Stalinism is pervasive and effective throughout the film. So effective, that it is also the films weakness as history has not thought much of Stalin's humanity toward the Russian peasants during his 31 year reign. [1922-1953]HERE'S A SPECIFIC EXAMPLE OF A PROPAGANDA SCENE [plot spoiler warning]For instance, depictions of a Russian Orthodox priest aboard the Battleship Potemkin, supporting the officers who were about to slaughter the crewmen that refused to eat the maggot infested meat was not to be believed. In fact, the priest was shown mauling crewmen with none other than his crucifix. Honestly, such scenes were as tough to swallow as the maggot infested meat, and there were many of them. Very obvious and crude Stalinist propaganda.BOTTOM LINE: OKAY ITS PROPAGANDA -- BUT ....The images and theme are powerful and clear. Emotions from the viewers are inevitably provoked. This is very good stuff. NOT HONEST -- BUT GREAT CINEMA NONETHELESS! ABOUT THE DVD: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT EDITIONIncredibly well preserved print for an EIGHTY-ONE YEAR OLD FILM! The transfer contained excellent video and audio elements with a very clear and mostly unflawed picture.

Marcin Kukuczka 2012-04-30 03:44:41

Where Nation Appears in Lead...

While analyzing the historic directors and movies, one cannot ignorethe important influence of the Russian productions. Although the films,for the new reality that came with 1917, were a powerful means ofrevolution propaganda, some productions can boast unique features thatcould not even be traced back in the Hollywood silent era. The namethat constituted a milestone of that period in the Soviet Union was,undoubtedly, Sergei Eisenstein, the sort of "Russian D.W. Griffith." Heis not only famous for having made movies concerning the distanthistory, like IVAN THE TERRIBLE or Alexander NEWSKY, but also forhaving directed the powerful pro-revolutionary production like thisone, the silent movie that still overwhelms viewers in a unique way.The most striking feature that BATTLESHIP POTEMKIN can boast are notthe revolutionary ideas, which brought quite different things in laterhistory, but the artistically innovative merits of the movie. Foremost,it refers to the use of camera and the stunning images that callviewers' attention in an unforgettable way. Here, there is a specialneed to mention the iconic moments presenting the inhabitants of Odessaand the powerful, still very dramatic depiction of the Odessa stepstragedy. The faces of the people, the whole tension, the cameraclose-ups of the growing terror in people's reactions and faces, thefocus on fists and teary eyes are particularly believable. They stillshock, they still depress, they still create a unique horror in theviewers' perceptions: you see a mother with a dying child, you seepeople who helplessly and vainly try to beg the robot-like army ofslayers for mercy; you see the tramping boots that unemotionally moveon and on and a perambulator with a baby sleighing down the steps afterthe mother has just been shot to death...I admit that this scenetouched me most and left a lasting impact in my memory.Another great merit and uniqueness of the film is the fact that it isnot any vehicle for some important cast, it does not feature anybodyeminent. On the contrary, it is a movie where a nation becomes a hero,where there are people who are at the focus. That makes it a true storyof the 1905 uprising and perfectly crafts the developing wrath in equalbrothers who struggle against the cruelty and ignorance of theircommanders. In that respect, I do not hesitate to say that BATTLESHIPPOTEMKIN does a better job than the American top notch production oflater years, MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY (surely, the intentions hidden behindare different in case of Eisenstein). It is really the people who fighttogether (in a propaganda way). There are no single stories, noemphasis on single events but a mutual aim...something very communist,on the one hand, but something that is beautifully executed thanks toEisenstein's unique handling.Consider, for instance the scene when the rotten meat is given to thesailors - the concrete reason for their radical "no"...there is awonderfully logical link with the later question of the commander: "Wholiked the soup?" Immediately we see the faces of people, the growingrage and the revolutionary ideals brought into real actions. I believethis must have created a very powerful impact in the viewers of thattime due to this masterful depiction. The film must have done aconvincing job in promoting the new Russian reality. But my aim is notto evaluate difficult paths of history but merely see it as a cinemaproduction, a silent production.And in that respect, I say with honesty and certainty: WELL WORTHSEEING! No important content, no great stars nor terrific performances;yet a significant production of the silent era and a powerful IMAGEthat will truly remain in your memory.

whpratt1 2012-04-25 16:30:40

Great Russian Masterpiece

Enjoyed viewing this Russian film concerning a Battleship Potemkin andthe many problems that happened to the entire crew members who were fedmeat that was infested by maggots and most of the crew were takenaboard the Battleship by forcing them to enlist in the Navy. These menwere mistreated with plenty of cruelty involving whipping and beatingby the senior officers. The Russian people heard about the horror thatcaused many men to die on this ship and the complete population decidedto storm the officers of the Battleship in order to gain justice forthe crimes caused on this ship. This is a great film which is hard toexplain unless you actual view this great masterpiece which was createdin 1925. If you like great films from the past, don't miss thispicture.

Welly-2 2012-04-25 06:43:31

Fascinating and impressive, even today

As films made in 1925 go, this is a cracker. It's not going to be thesort of thing you rent to watch when your Mum comes to stay overChristmas and it's not got much chance of getting chosen on anareoplane if The Fifth Element or Planet of the Apes are available, butit deserves great credit for even competing against the modern films.The fascination comes in seeing both footage shot 80 years ago and inseeing a snap shot of post-tsarist Russia. That the latter turned sosour dulls the enthusiasm of the modern viewer but it is, nevertheless,historically fascinating. As a piece of cinema it is also powerful andimpressive....I'm no expert, but you can see there is real talent atwork here from the director. The number of memorable scenes from thefilm are a testament to its impact even today.

2012-04-23 23:49:00

Truly A Great Movie

Although this movie predated the Academy Awards, there is no doubt that this movie would have won some of the prized awards.This exciting film is a great dramatization of a 1905 mutiny on a Russian battleship. This is a hugely influential motion picture directed by the great Sergei Einstein.This film also has some special effects. The "Steps Sequence" was partially filmed by an acrobat with a camera strapped to the waists. The day it premiered, reels of film were being rushed to the theatre on motor cycle and were held together with spit, and Einstein was afraid his movie wouldn't be completed in time. It was, and it turned out to be a big hit. That is why I love this movie so much!

2012-04-23 11:16:06

Battleship Potemkin

This review is from: Battleship Potemkin [Blu-ray] (Blu-ray) Potemkin, the Eisenstein classic, is a great film restoration proving that Blu-Ray can make old films even better. I am hoping that ALL of the Eisenstein films get similar treatment.

2012-04-23 02:43:14

5 broken promises, a la Amazon

I'd bought the DVD as a very special present to be sent to my best friend and would've loved to write something very nice in its review; but ALAS the DVD has still, i.e. months after I'd bought it with the instructions that it be sent directly to his address which I had, of course,provided as the "shipping address", not arrived! I've rarely been more disappointed or felt more embarassed:(

brad_reaves03 2012-04-22 12:56:00

Garbage!

This movie is honestly one of the greatest movies of all time...if yousuffer from insomnia. It is a fool-proof way to guarantee hours ofsleep at a time. As the movie slowly progresses, the audience slipsinto a state of unconsciousness and gradually loses sight of any sortof plot that the movie might actually contain. This effect is surelycreated due to the lack of sweet action/sweet babes.Also, Mr. Eisenstein was obviously unable to master the art of montage.A prime example of this is the scene on the Odessa steps. For noapparent reason, an event that in real life would have taken a matterof seconds is transformed into a seven minute nightmare for any saneviewer. This editing flaw tarnishes any sort of realism in the entirefilm. Honestly, i've seen more realistic editing watching cartoons.Some individuals who have commented on this title have hailedBattleship Potemkin as: "One of the greatest movies of all time" and,"Truly a masterpiece". Well i'm writing this comment to persuadereaders to avoid watching this film at all costs. My best guess is thatmy fellow Potemkin critics simply wrote the wrong words in theirsummaries. Surely what they meant to say was: "One of the greatestsnooze-fests of all time" and, "Truly an epic fail".In conclusion, don't waste your time. If you are interested in watchinga movie of far superior quality, go to www.youtube.com and watch a Halo3 montage. If i played the movie "Battleship Potemkin" in a game ofslayer on guardian, i would shoot it in the face with my sniper rifleand then teabag its dead body. PEACE!

2012-04-16 02:04:26

Battleship Potemkin

Visually, I thought that the film Battleship Potemkin was very interesting. It seemed as though a graphic artist had designed every shot. The shots were very layered, with lots of objects and people woven together in the same space. One shot in particular showed all of the crewmen lying down in their hammocks. There were feet propped up and bodies everywhere which create a very interesting picture to look at. Eisenstein used much of the machinery of the ship to add dimension and texture to the shots and I think this contributed so much to the film. If I were judging solely on the visual elements of the film, I would say that Battleship Potemkin was a very exciting and artistically profound film. However, I since I am not judging solely on the appearance of the film, I feel as though it should be said that the overall plot of the movie did not interest me. I did not seem to care about the men on the ship, although the movie revolved around them. The scenes of havoc in the city seemed long, drawn-out and pointless. I really did not like the scene with citizens getting hurt by the police, especially the children. I did not seem to connect with the people in the story. I think this is probably because of the fact that the story was largely propaganda. Being so far removed from this time and place, I felt that it was hard to relate to what was going on in the film. Though I did appreciate the overall textured style of the cinematography, the film was lacking for me. If not for the dimensionality portrayed by visual layering, I do not think I would have been interested in this movie at all. I would recommend this to people seeking to study the cinematography or to people interested in history.

2012-04-15 17:36:34

Great Restoration

This review is from: Battleship Potemkin (The Ultimate Edition) (2pc) (Full B&W) (DVD) I have this on an old VHS Tape. This is miles ahead and well worth the wait. A must have for silent film fans.

Dan Grant 2012-04-10 04:55:00

An interesting early film

I am far from an expert on early films. I can't tell you why certianshotsthat Eisenstein does here make them as brilliant as they are. Yes, thisisearly film and it is quite interesting. But for me to comment on the "struggle " and such is pure nonsense. But what I can comment on is that Ireally admired how " The Odessa Steps" sequence was very well done. Forthetechniques that were employed in 1925, they really made this sequence onetoremember. As for the rest of the film, to be honest I find it interestingbut that's as far as it goes. I am too much a product of the 80's totrulyappreciate it. But I will acknowledge that it has some ground breakingshots and that makes it worth a look.

action-6 2012-04-09 19:22:28

An important piece of cinema-history

"Battleship Potemkin" is a silent movie made in the Soviet-Union in 1925 bymaster-director Sergej Eisenstein.This powerful movie remains after almost 80 years a landmark incinema-history. The movie tells the story of the crew on-board BattleshipPotemkin during the revolution of 1905 after Russia had lost the war againstJapan.On one side this is pure communist propaganda, on the other side this isprobably one of the most powerful movies ever created. I saw this moviemyself last year after my university teacher in Russian history recommendedit to me. Powerful imagery is the main element that you will remember afterseeing this movie, especially the scene where people are slaughtered at thesteps of Odessa in the Ukraine.See it.