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Boris Godunov

1986·Movie
2h 10min
62
DecentGoodWatch score

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No stream option in US yet.

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High energy, strong craft, a touch of humor.

Energy

Tense and spectacular

  • Tension7
  • Spectacle7
  • Violence6

Heart

Moving and melancholic

  • Pathos8
  • Melancholy7
  • Catharsis7

Humor

Some dark humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Dark Humor5
  • Satire & Parody4
  • Wit & Wordplay3

World

History, politics, and a real life story

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability6

Craft

Standout direction and performances

Layered plot that rewards full attention.

  • Direction8
  • Acting8
  • Complexity8

Style

Standout cinematography

  • Cinematography8
  • Editing7
  • Music Composition7

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchThought-Provoking

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About

Praised for its fine photography and production design if not its narrative, Sergei Bondarchuk directed this adaptation of the tale by Alexander Pushkin. Boris Godunov came to the Czarist throne at the end of the 16th century, after the original heir to Ivan the Terrible had died. At first, things went well for Godunov (played by Bondarchuk), but when the Russian people began to believe he had killed Ivan the Terrible's son in order to gain the throne, an alliance sprang up against the new Czar. Events continued to spin out of control as a young monk was presented as the son Godunov had supposedly killed. Now he was openly accused of failing an assassination attempt, which seems to be even worse than succeeding. In addition to these woes, Boris Godunov began to suffer serious health problems. So much for the joys of kingship.
Russian HistoryPolitical IntrigueTragic HeroSocial CommentaryEpic ScopeBiographical AdaptationMelancholy ToneVisually Striking

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Boris Godunov

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Boris Godunov legally?

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Is Boris Godunov worth watching?

62
DecentGoodWatch score

Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 62/100 (IMDb 6.6). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Boris Godunov rated?

Violence

Content advisories: violence.

How long is Boris Godunov?

2 h 10 min

Boris Godunov runs 2 h 10 min.

Is Boris Godunov based on a true story?

Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.

What language is Boris Godunov in?

Russian

It was made in Russian. Produced in Russia.