Russian Ark
Metascore
86 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 31 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 31
  3. Negative: 1 out of 31
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  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    100
    The film is a glorious experience to witness, not least because, knowing the technique and understanding how much depends on every moment, we almost hold our breath.
  2. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Wilmington
    100
    Extraordinary film, one that, like the museum itself, captures and shows three centuries of Russian culture and history in all its beauty, confusion, terror and majesty.
  3. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: David Sterritt
    100
    Well worth seeing on the wide screen before its video release next year. It's guaranteed to take your breath away.
  4. New York Post
    Reviewed by: V.A. Musetto
    100
    The result is a magnificent feast for the eyes and brain.
  5. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Kenneth Baker
    100
    Marks a cinematic milestone.
  6. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Wesley Morris
    100
    Who most of these exquisitely costumed people are I have no idea, but they brush past the camera in such rapids of jubilation it's a wonder they don't knock the thing over. I watched most of the film exhilarated, but depressed that I'm not a big Russophile.
  7. Portland Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Shawn Levy
    100
    Audacious, gorgeous and unique.
  8. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Henry Sheehan
    100
    High art, low comedy, hard labor and royal prerogative are here thrown together in an elegant unity, a breathtaking demonstration of Russian cinematic -- hence artistic -- brilliance.
  9. Dallas Observer
    Reviewed by: Jean Oppenheimer
    100
    Turns out to be more than simply a near-miracle of filmmaking, however; it is also an astonishing work of art, a historical epic that drifts through one's consciousness like a reverie.
  10. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kenneth Turan
    100
    An astonishing technological feat, but what is even more remarkable is that the technology does not overwhelm the artistry.
  11. Time
    Reviewed by: Richard Corliss
    100
    A coda that will have the movie's audience gasping in exhilarated exhaustion, whispering astonished gratitude to Sokurov for having created vigorous art out of 21st century video technique and asking themselves, "What's the Russian word for Wow!?"
  12. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Desson Thomson
    100
    Dramatically, this is something of a waking dream.
  13. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
    Reviewed by: William Arnold
    91
    That rare thing at the movies these days: a new experience. It awes us with its technological feat, it sweeps us up in its mystical spell and, with its final scene -- it takes us to an emotional climax of almost unbearable poignancy.
  14. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Stephen Holden
    90
    A magnificent conjuring act, an eerie historical mirage.
  15. Variety
    Reviewed by: Deborah Young
    90
    Seems destined to go down in film history as a technical tour de force.
  16. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Anthony Lane
    90
    By the time of the closing shot -- twists of fog rising like spectres from a leaden sea -- even the most stubborn viewer will be lying back in a state of happy hypnosis. [16 December 2002, p. 106]
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  17. Miami Herald
    Reviewed by: Marta Barber
    88
    Even in its most tedious scenes, Russian Ark is mesmerizing.
  18. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Owen Gleiberman
    83
    It was only with the advent of digital technology that the notion of an entire film done in a single take became possible. Mike Figgis got there first with ''Time Code,'' and now the Russian director Alexander Sokurov has brought off a comparably startling feat with Russian Ark.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 32
  3. Negative: 8 out of 32
  1. ryancarroll88
    10
    "Is this a dream?"
    "Maybe, maybe. But I'm wide awake."

    Director Aleksandr Sokurov takes the idea of admiring St. Petersburg's Hermitage throu    gh the eye of a camera, and creates a vast, sprawling dream sequence that feels just like dipping your brain in a vat of icy-hot. As the camera drifts through corridor after corridor, the setting constantly shifts - in one room you will encounter the director's friends admiring a painting, while in the next room Catherine II is teaching children how to properly curtsy (not to mention a carpenter in a closet making coffins for WWII cavalry). At the helm of this mad tour is the strange guide, who appears out of thin air and constantly judges every detail, from the art to the museum guests. It's hard to know for sure whether he is a figment of our imagination, a phantom, or, as the narrator suggests, a symbol for Europe's constant patronization for Russian art and culture; whatever he represents, Sergei Donstov gives an eccentric performance well worth remembering. However, if classical art isn't your thing, and you won't be won over by decadence or ethereal camerawork, 'Russian Ark' probably doesn't have much to offer you. But then my question is why are you watching movies?… Full Review »
  2. GilbertGilbertovitchMulroneycakeski
    10
    Phil Hall, Chad S., Yakov C, Keri No-Last-Initial: you are being so utterly, heartlessly, breathtakingly CRUEL you belong in a David Lynch movie. Russian Ark, it's true, it isn't going to be everyone's cup of char. Unless you know (intimately) andor love Russian history, it's going to be dull as ditchwater. Obviously. It's hardly a criticism, more an unfortunate fact of life. But think about that for a second. Its only problem is: it will bore you if you aren't interested. No sh*t, Sherlock. F'crying out loud, it's a ONE TAKE FEATURE FILM! A 96-MINUTE TRACKING SHOT! SO WHAT IF THE SUBJECT MATTER'S VERY VERY NICHE? WHO THE HELL CARES? SOKUROV HAS MADE A FEATURE FILM! IN! ONE! TAKE! THAT'S ABSOLUTELY ASTONISHING! GIVE HIM SOME DAMN CREDIT! (inhales) Right. Sorry. But seriously, either give Sokurov credit for one of the most amazing techincal and personal achivements in cinema history, or go back to torturing small animals. With pliers. And margarine. You cruel, evil bastards.… Full Review »
  3. smijatov
    7
    It is an experiment that has rarely been put up on screen before. Not only is it trying to challenge our notion of film-making by having one continuous shot, but it also is trying to challenge our understanding of Russia, its history and its great figures. It also has an extraordinary focus on art and the hand of the director is invisible yet very tangible at the same time. Surely, there is no plot, and there is no 'action' in the film - but that is the beauty of it, as well.
    It is something one should watch and cherish for its accomplishments, not judge for the lack of other film elements - when you have a film like 'Russian Ark' one can only surrender to the auteur director and be taken away to another world. A world of Russia as part of the East and West, while at the same time being neither one.    … Full Review »
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