A beautifully crafted documentary that spans nearly seven hours in eight parts. The Romanovs beautifully summarize the epic history of Russian dynasties spanning more than three centuries.
The first episode begins in 1613 with the coronation of Michael Fyodorovich Romanov as Tsar of Russia, opening the beginnings of the Romanov dynasty. He ruled for a time by his father’s side and exceeded expectations, restoring peace to previously dangerous relations with Sweden and Poland.
Episode 2 follows the reign of Russia’s first female ruler, Tsarevna (princess), Sophia Alekseyevna, who demonstrates government tactics as clever and brutal as her male counterparts.
Few czars have been more important in the popular mind than Peter the Great, the subject of the third installment in the series. Despite his foresight in his attempts to modernize Russia and pursue an effective foreign policy, Peter failed to name a successor before his death in 1725, a feat.
Catherine the Great dominates episode five. An exceptionally enlightened spirit, fascinated by the poetry and philosophy of her day, she enjoyed enormous public admiration during her eventful reign of more than three decades.
Episode six describes the rise of Catherine’s son Paul after her death in 1796. Paul’s reign lasted just five short years before being succeeded by his son Alexander, who ruled during the tumultuous years of the Napoleonic Wars.
Part VII reports on the reign of Nicholas I and his son Alexander II and the emancipatory reforms of 1861 that led to the abolition of serfdom. The aftermath of this revolutionary act—on which the final episode is based—paved the way for the end of the Romanov dynasty in the early 20th century.
Viewers will be wowed by the breadth and depth of this ambitious series, and the daunting task of its director. Impeccably researched and brought to life with stunning production values, the Romanov Dynasty is a vivid recreation of Russian history that deserves to be admired.
Director: Maxime Bespari
