What It's About:

The fabled director’s “Alexander Nevsky” tracks the efforts of valiant, mercurial Prince Nevsky (Cherkasov) as he rallies his people to repel hordes of Teutonic invaders in Russia’s thirteenth century, while “Ivan” is Eisenstein’s triumphant two-part biopic of the first Russian czar (Cherkasov again), an embattled figurehead who vows to unify Russia and its far-flung, foreign-occupied regions, despite opposition from Moscow’s powerful noble class. Court intrigue plagues Ivan in Part II, as the boyars hatch plans to dispose of the increasingly isolated leader.

Why I Love It:

From the cinematography to the set design, costumes to character detail, Eisenstein's operatic sound epics are world-class examples of film as high art, with vigorous storytelling adding to the dazzling, still unparalleled craftsmanship of his historic handiwork. "Nevsky," made in 1938, revived the director's flagging career, and earned him a spot as head of Mosfilm Studios. Stalin was less pleased with Part II of "Ivan," especially with its allusions to his use of secret police and unflattering portrayal of a leader in distress. Both "Nevsky" and "Ivan" star the chiseled, charismatic Cherkasov (a sort of Russian Gary Cooper), and boast magnificent set pieces: a battle on a frozen lake involving thousands of extras in "Nevsky," and an orgiastic feast (rendered in color) in "Ivan." You'd never expect cinema this lavish or lively outside classic Hollywood, but here it is, courtesy of an idealistic Communist in full command of his actors and material.