Rasputin 1932 vs 1965 vs 1996

 I watched three films about the Russian monk Rasputin and I want to rank them from worst to best.

             

Rasputin and the Empress 1932. Firstly, what did I like about the movie? Even though it was in black and white the visuals and costumes were impressive and no rouble was spared to make the film look authentic. The film tried to depict historical facts so I appreciated that. What didn't I like?  The character of Rasputin was a cardboard villain who had no redeeming qualities. The plot meandered and the film felt like it was 10 hours long. I lost concentration a bit and was bored at times. The dialogue was not very entertaining or funny. I would give it a 5/10.

Rasputin the Mad Monk 1965. I really wanted to make this film number 1 but I will put it on number 2. It was very entertaining from the first scene until the last. The plot is well structured and the dialogue is captivating. The Rasputin in the 1965 movie is a lovable villain. He is cunning, hilarious and devious. Rasputin the Mad Monk is not historical at all and takes liberties in the narrative. The movie seeks to entertain first and foremost, historical facts be damned. I would give this movie 9/10.

Rasputin : Dark Servant of Destiny 1996 is a perfect movie. It is thought provoking and emotionally compelling. I almost cried at the end. Rasputin in the 1996 film is a complex character. He is not a cut out villain. He has good intentions but is a flawed individual. The film gives Rasputin a back story. It has the Prince Alexei narrate the film from beyond the grave. The dialogue was engaging. At one point Rasputin said, 'Our souls belong to God. Our flesh belongs to us!' Then Rasputin said to a doctor who said he never saw a soul when he did surgery. Rasputin replies, 'Did you see any memories?' You cannot help but fall in love with this Rasputin. Alan Rickman nails this performance as Rasputin and Ian McKellen plays a good natured but stern Czar Nicholas. The film mixes fiction and facts beautifully. I will give this movie 10/10. And better yet it is free on Youtube.

Random thoughts

Rasputin reminds of Jesus. Both were known as drunks and gluttons who hung around unsavoury characters. Both were from rural back waters. Both were holy men. Both were miraculous healers. Both were killed by the elite. I think Rasputin is probably what the real Jesus was like before the gospel writers distorted history. Did he bring down the Romanovs or could he have saved them from destruction? Was he devious schemer or was he a misunderstood holy man? Was he a charlatan or a saint? These are questions that film makers and writers have grappled with. Rasputin has been immortalised in film and literature. Many books and films have been made about Rasputin and many more will be created as people try to figure out who and what Rasputin was. 

The moral of the story

No good deed goes unpunished. Rasputin healed the Russian prince and got a bullet in the head for his efforts.

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I wrote a book that deals with a religious man who sees visions and infiltrates the royal palace. The book is called The Milvians. You can purchase it on Amazon. Link below.

https://www.amazon.com/Milvians-Mark-Anderson/dp/B0CRLD7YS9