When I started my DVD collection, this was the first one I bought.

How much of the history in the film is true? I am not certain, but
the line : “They’ve shot the czar.” resounds. Russian life for the upper middle class would never be the same again.

I will always love Tom Courtenay for the many off-center parts he played during the 1960’s. Here he is both an idealist and a master villain a perfect yin-yang personality.

Omar Sharif is, of course, brilliant as Yuri.

The beautiful cinematography only enhances the viewing experience–especially the ice “palace”.