I don't know enough about Russian history, so I was very happy to find this title on Netflix. It taught me quite a bit about this underexposed era and country and seen from a Russian point of view as well instead of our western view. Refreshing. The actors made the best of the lines and possibilities they were given. I am especially taken with the appearance and performance of Leonid Bichevin. The scenery was gorgeous and all details seemed quite authentic.
That said, it was sometimes quite hard to follow who was on which side. I didn't understand the motives of people choosing for one side or the other or why they changed sides.That also apllied for the choices the main characters made in their personal lives. The steps they took seemed to be too big and a bit random and I wasn't taken along enough in their thought processes and struggles. It seemed like the director wanted to show too much in too few episodes. Also the characters were a bit one dimensional for my taste: they were either good or bad. No layering.
So in the end I was left with mixed feelings about this production, but mostly I look fondly back at an educational and entertaining Russian production. I'm open for more.
Review of The Road to Calvary
