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Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot

1958·Movie
1h 22min·NR

Where to watch

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

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Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot fingerprint

High energy, strong craft, a touch of humor.

Energy

Spectacular and tense

  • Spectacle8
  • Tension7
  • Violence7

Heart

Nostalgic and moving

  • Nostalgia8
  • Pathos7
  • Melancholy6

Humor

Some satire

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Satire & Parody5
  • Wit & Wordplay4
  • Dark Humor4

World

History, politics, and a real life story

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion9
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability6

Craft

Standout direction, performances, and characters

Layered plot that rewards full attention.

  • Direction9
  • Acting8
  • Character Depth8

Style

Standout cinematography, score, and visual style

A distinctive visual signature.

  • Cinematography9
  • Music Composition8
  • Visual Stylization8

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking

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About

This is the second part of a projected three-part epic biopic of Russian Czar Ivan Grozny, undertaken by Soviet film-maker Sergei Eisenstein at the behest of Josef Stalin. Production of the epic was stopped before the third part could be filmed, due to producer dissatisfaction with Eisenstein's introducing forbidden experimental filming techniques into the material, more evident in this part than the first part. As it was, this second part was banned from showings until after the deaths of both Eisenstein and Stalin, and a change of attitude by the subsequent heads of the Soviet government. In this part, as Ivan the Terrible attempts to consolidate his power by establishing a personal army, his political rivals, the Russian boyars, plot to assassinate him.
Epic Historical DramaPolitical IntrigueRussian HistoryStalinist EraPower StruggleCzar Ivan the TerribleVisually StrikingOrchestral Score

Media

Questions about Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot legally?

Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot is included with a subscription to HBO Max in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot worth watching?

89
ExcellentGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 90/100 (IMDb 7.7 and Rotten Tomatoes 100%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot rated?

NRViolence

It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: violence.

How long is Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot?

1 h 22 min

Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot runs 1 h 22 min.

Is Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot based on a true story?

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

Do critics and audiences agree on Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot?

Critics100
Audiences83

Not quite. Critics rate Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot higher (100) than audiences (83). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.

What language is Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot in?

Russian

It was made in Russian. Produced in Russia.

In how many countries can I watch Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot?

10BEBRCAESFRITPTSMUSVA

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot in 10 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.