Three brothers, one throne, and enough family drama to make the Lannisters blush.
The second part of Bulat Mansurov's planned epic film series; “The Saga of the Ancient Bulgars". The film depicts the life and reign of Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavich of Kiev, known in legends as Vladimir the Red Sun. The story begins in 972 AD, after the death of his father, Grand Prince Svyatoslav, which ignites a power struggle among Vladimir and his brothers. The film emphasizes that Russian princes only succeeded when they maintained good relations with the Bulgars and other steppe nations. It also depicts Vladimir's reflection on his rise to power upon receiving the book "The Ladder" in 1005, ten years after his conversion to Christianity.
Production
Rare cinematic attempt at Volga Bulgar-Rus relations, not just Viking stuff.
Acting
Dual Vladimirs: Andrey Sukhov's ambition vs. Aleksandr Bespalyy's regret.
Costume
Steppe finery meets Byzantine Christian aesthetics in clashing glory.
Director
Bulat Mansurov
Andrey Sukhov
Vladimir, Prince of Novgorod
Aleksandr Bespalyy
Vladimir in old age
Alexander Philipenko
Yaropolk / Svyatopolk "the Accursed"
Alsu Gaynullina
Altun-Maria
Leonid Kuravlyov
Dobrynya
Afanasi Kochetkov
Solovushka
Donatas Banionis
Sveneld
Juozas Budraitis
Asmud
Elina Bystritskaya
Duchess Olga
Yuriy Nazarov
Skomorokh Blessed
Vasili Lanovoy
Constantine VIII
Elena Tsyplakova
Slava
Boris Khmelnitsky
Svyatoslav / Erik, King of Sweden
Anna Mikhalkova
Anna of Byzantium
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was intended as Part 2 of a never-completed epic; Part 1 covered Attila and early Bulgar history, leaving Mansurov's grand vision permanently fragmented.
Made during Putin's early presidency, the film's emphasis on strong princely authority and Eurasian (not purely European) identity for Russia carries deliberate contemporary resonance.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
RU
