Watch Idiot

The 1958 Soviet film, Idiot, directed by Ivan Pyryev, was based on the novel of the same name by Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky. The film stars Yuriy Yakovlev as Prince Lev Nikolaevich Myshkin, Yuliya Borisova as Nastasya Filippovna Barashkova, and Nikita Podgorny as Parfyon Semyonovich Rogozhin. The film is set in the 19th century and follows the story of Prince Myshkin, who has just returned to Russia after spending several years in a Swiss sanatorium for treatment of epilepsy. The Prince is a kind-hearted young man who is often taken for a fool due to his childlike innocence and tendency to speak the truth in all situations.

Upon his return to Russia, the Prince is greeted by his distant relative General Yepanchin (played by Oleg Zhakov), who invites him to stay at his home in St. Petersburg. There, the Prince meets the General's family, including his daughter Aglaya (played by Lyubov Sokolova) and his stepdaughter, Nastasya Filippovna.

Nastasya Filippovna is a beautiful and troubled young woman who is engaged to the wealthy Ganya Ivolgin (played by Aleksei Smirnov) but is also pursued relentlessly by the dangerous and unstable Parfyon Rogozhin. The Prince is immediately drawn to Nastasya and feels a profound sympathy for her, sensing that her troubled past and her conflicted emotions are the root of her unhappiness.

As the story progresses, the Prince becomes more and more embroiled in the complex relationships between the characters in the General's household. He falls deeper in love with Nastasya Filippovna, yet is constantly thwarted by Ganya's jealousy and Rogozhin's aggressive pursuit of her. The Prince's kindness and compassion, however, earn him the trust and affection of Aglaya, who sees him as a kindred spirit.

As the tension between the characters builds to a climax, the Prince is forced to confront his own innocence and naivete, which leave him vulnerable and unprepared for the dark impulses and ruthless machinations of those around him. Meanwhile, Nastasya Filippovna is torn between her love for the Prince and her fear of Rogozhin, leading to a dramatic and tragic conclusion.

The film is a masterful adaptation of Dostoevsky's novel, capturing the complexity and depth of the characters and the moral dilemmas they face. Yuriy Yakovlev gives a powerful performance as the Prince, conveying his vulnerability and sensitivity with subtlety and nuance. Yuliya Borisova is equally impressive as Nastasya Filippovna, bringing depth and complexity to a character who could easily have been reduced to a stereotype.

The film's cinematography is also noteworthy, particularly in its use of close-ups to convey the characters' emotions and inner thoughts. The music, composed by Yevgeny Krylatov, adds to the film's mood and atmosphere, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.

Idiot is a timeless masterpiece of Russian cinema, capturing the essence of Dostoevsky's novel and illuminating the universal themes of love, friendship, and the struggle between good and evil. It is a must-see for anyone interested in classic films or Russian literature.