Watch Agony: The Life and Death of Rasputin

Agony: The Life and Death of Rasputin is a historical drama film that takes the audience on a journey through the infamous life of Rasputin, the Russian mystic and spiritual healer who became an influential figure in the royal court of the Romanovs. The film is directed by Elem Klimov and was released in 1981. It stars Aleksey Petrenko as Rasputin, Anatoliy Romashin as Tsar Nicholas II, and Velta Line as Alexandra.

The movie opens with the assassination of Rasputin by a group of Russian nobles. The film then proceeds to tell the story of Rasputin's life through a series of flashbacks. The film portrays Rasputin as a man who possesses supernatural powers and uses them to gain influence over the royal family. He is shown to have a sexual appetite and is depicted as a womanizer who is always surrounded by women. Despite his crude behavior, Rasputin is still able to convince the Tsar and Tsarina that he is a holy man who can heal their sick son.

The movie highlights the political turmoil in Russia during this time period, including the growing unrest among the people due to their discontent with Tsar Nicholas II's rule. The Tsar's inability to rule effectively and the widespread famine and poverty ultimately lead to the downfall of the Romanov dynasty.

Throughout the film, Rasputin's character is portrayed in a complex and multi-dimensional way. The audience is shown his charismatic and persuasive nature, but also his darker side, including his crude behavior and his desire for power. Despite his many flaws, the filmmakers also suggest that Rasputin genuinely cared for the Tsar's son and believed that his healing powers could save him.

The film also explores the relationship between Rasputin and the Tsarina, who is portrayed as a deeply religious and vulnerable woman who becomes increasingly dependent on Rasputin's advice and guidance. The filmmakers suggest that the Tsarina's reliance on Rasputin played a role in the eventual downfall of the royal family.

One of the standout features of the film is the performance of Aleksey Petrenko as Rasputin. Petrenko's portrayal is captivating and unsettling, and he effectively captures the mystique and ambiguity of the real-life Rasputin. The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, particularly Anatoliy Romashin as Tsar Nicholas II.

The movie's cinematography is also noteworthy, with striking visuals that capture the grandeur and opulence of the Russian royal court. The filmmakers also use montage sequences to great effect, particularly in a scene where Rasputin is shown walking through the streets of St. Petersburg as the people around him starve and suffer.

Overall, Agony: The Life and Death of Rasputin is a gripping and thought-provoking movie that offers a nuanced exploration of one of the most controversial figures in Russian history. While the film takes some liberties with the historical record for dramatic purposes, it remains a powerful portrayal of the forces that shaped the final days of the Romanov dynasty.

Agony: The Life and Death of Rasputin is a 1975 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.