The story of Ilja Muromets requires severe suspension disbelief. Even in the weirdly dubbed American version it plays as a pro-workers film. There is a political message not so hidden here, but you can ignore it rather easily.
The plot is very innocent with a lame hero becoming healed and so that he can go off and fight the invading Mongols. Its grand fantasy with semi-special effects that are wonderfully of the period, and fit the gentle style. (Gentle even with the huge battle scenes) The trick is to give yourself over to it ,on its terms, and you'll have a great time. And yes its completely silly and over the top, despite seeming rather serious.
The director, Aleksandr Ptushko, specialized in fantasies of this sort. I think this is the best, with the other films like Ruslan and Ludmila, or Sadko (The Magic Voyage of Sinbad) or Sampo (The Day the Earth Froze) suffering from pacing problems, despite having fantastic visuals. (indeed Sampo is so dull as to put on into a deep coma) If you like this film then try Ruslan or Sadko.
If you click into this you'll love it. Since I do I give it 10 out of 10. Your mileage may vary, even as you laugh your ass off at at it.
The plot is very innocent with a lame hero becoming healed and so that he can go off and fight the invading Mongols. Its grand fantasy with semi-special effects that are wonderfully of the period, and fit the gentle style. (Gentle even with the huge battle scenes) The trick is to give yourself over to it ,on its terms, and you'll have a great time. And yes its completely silly and over the top, despite seeming rather serious.
The director, Aleksandr Ptushko, specialized in fantasies of this sort. I think this is the best, with the other films like Ruslan and Ludmila, or Sadko (The Magic Voyage of Sinbad) or Sampo (The Day the Earth Froze) suffering from pacing problems, despite having fantastic visuals. (indeed Sampo is so dull as to put on into a deep coma) If you like this film then try Ruslan or Sadko.
If you click into this you'll love it. Since I do I give it 10 out of 10. Your mileage may vary, even as you laugh your ass off at at it.