The Road to Calvary (2017) User Reviews

Russian magic

[peterroberts-20049 · 9/10 · 2 October 2018]

Oh my word, what a series! This 12 episode series, based on Aleksey Nikolayevich Tolstoys book trilogy The Road To Calvary ( originally written in Russian ) was enthralling, beautiful, touching and heart wrenching. It tells the story of the two Bulavina sisters and their lives as they live through the 1st World war and the Russian revolution. It's a film about love. It's about the love of sisters, of their lovers, of their friends, of the love of country and ideology. It even has time for some Bonny and Clyde action. Whilst being sentimental and romantic, it stays away from sex scenes or any nudity at all. It does paint a bleak picture of the vulnerability of women on their own in places of conflict and deals with rape and violence without being too explicit or gory. There are strong scenes of battles which show the physical consequences of bombs and bullets whilst not being overly graphic. In the final episode there is a scene of children being mudered in an executional style shooting by War Lord, which may upset some. This is an epic series and covers different aspects of family politics and the meaning of friendship. It doesn't hold back from showing the torment and human cost of a revolution. If I was to be hyper critical it would be that 10 episodes not 12 would have been sufficient but a series based on a book trilogy might find it hard to be edited that way. If you like history and romance this film is for you and if I have 3 days free I might even watch it again!

The Road to Calgary

[drober1980 · 9/10 · 15 November 2018]

I am a person who watches a lot of foreign films and series and I found a very good Russian one on Netflix. It's a story that most Americans will not understand, because very few people here know anything about Russian history or would want to take the time to know it. And to appreciate this 12 part mini series, you would have to know that after the Czar was overthrown there was a civil war between, the Reds, the Whites, and many other factions all thinking that they could save mother Russia.

This is the story of 2 sisters who start in high society, get caught up in WW1 and the aftermath of just trying to survive. It's also a love story and done very well. Highly recommended to those who like a well done historical drama.

Great series

[boydpeters · 9/10 · 21 October 2019]

Right length, right hooks, great budget. Thoroughly enjoyable watching

the art of film

[lacalmette · 10/10 · 15 September 2018]

Finally, a captivating, artistic series from Netflix. Adaptation of Tolstoy in Russia by Russians. Important to see the perspective of early 20th century art from Russia, where most often we see this explosion of artistic fervor depicted in Paris or other enlightened European cities. Here we see a Picasso in a home in St Petersburg, we watch the debates of the poets in university, we feel the electric change in the air. A nostalgia one feels for the epoch of the poet, the collective draw to the expressions of the artist. And we are given an honest look into the soul of Russia that so transcends political bruhaha. Thanks to whoever got this series to us in the epoch of Ant Man and Spider Man.

Loved It.

[grahamjonesjr · 10/10 · 15 September 2018]

I'm sorry, I just loved it. The costumes, the locations, the beautiful women and great combat scenes. Some of the acting was great, none of it less than good. Story moved at a nice pace.

Red eyes!

[sifrid · 10/10 · 4 November 2018]

No, not from crying (although I am sure there was plenty of that from other viewers). No, red eyes from lack of sleep. This is one of those multi-part series where I had to tell myself multiple times - "it's 5AM, you MUST stop watching and go to bed. You can pick it up again tomorrow."

Production values are incredible. Sets! Costumes! Characters! I have been doing a lot of reading about WWI and the Russian Revolution lately, and that series transported me back to that time, place, and atmosphere totally. In this era of cynicism and jadedness, who of we viewers didn't roll our eyes a few times at the naievte of the poetry?

I have no negative comments. However, I can speak a little Russian, and I should warn anyone who has yet to view this wonder that there are a LOT of characters and sometimes it's tricky to keep track of eveyone's name and relationships. You might want to keep a list. LOL

Beautifuly captured romance in the dark times

[jekakljaic · 10/10 · 28 September 2018]

This historical drama set in the early 20th centery was beautifully presented with outstanding creativity, skills, profoundity and workmanship. Acting, costumes, story - great work!

Unesennye vetrom (or words to that effect)

[B24 · 7/10 · 6 August 2019]

I think that phrase corresponds in latinized Russian to Gone With The Wind, the book and film based on events of the American Civil War. I mention it as a way of describing The Road to Calvary with a few words more familiar to English-speaking viewers. Obviously there are very great differences between the two stories, but I like the analogy as a quick introduction to my take on the latter film. This is a very big production in every way. Not knowing Russian, I have to assume subtitles in English are accurate and true to the original script. If so, I find no fault with it it on either technical or artistic grounds. It is a massive mini-series beautifully staged and produced with great skill. Given a dozen main characters within the context of very real historical events in the old Russian empire after the fall of the tsar, taking place amid a hundred million inhabitants in the geographically largest country in the world, the story is however a gallimaufry of odd personal coincidences involving those characters. It makes one's head spin to see how they keep meeting, parting, meeting again, and generally stumbling over each other in what is clearly a fictional fantasy. You can predict with ease each of these overlapping events. That is the single objection I have with the film, which is otherwise an engrossing and memorable addition to international cinema. Sometimes longer is in fact better.

Don't miss this series- absolutely strikingly beautiful and haunting

[Humphreywashere · 10/10 · 13 November 2018]

You will be transported to pre WW1 Russia in this extremely high quality TV series. If you know a little history, you will be on the edge of your seat knowing what horrors are about to unfold. The story focuses on two loving sisters, two women lucky enough to be aristocratic with kind hearts and highly educated. Their fate is closely connected with the men in their lives, and the opposing political forces unfolding. You will truly understand how the world evolved after this time, the idealism of the Bolshevics and how that went horribly wrong, and you will feel for the young sisters as horrible as their world becomes, it will only get worse. There are lessons here for current times. Watch out for the slow loss of liberties and push back. This series is astonishingly good. The russian languge is a pleasure to listen to and the subtitles are hardly noticeable. Dont miss it.

well done

[gandalf-80496 · 13 August 2019]

This is a well done production that entertains throughout. it is more tragic on multiple levels than one might like but not overwhelming. it is also a very poignant depiction of what happens when people get caught up in radicalized rhetoric and then fail to think through the inevitable consequences - something that is relevant today.

Mixed feelings, but mostly positive

[MireilleR · 7/10 · 21 August 2019]

I don't know enough about Russian history, so I was very happy to find this title on Netflix. It taught me quite a bit about this underexposed era and country and seen from a Russian point of view as well instead of our western view. Refreshing. The actors made the best of the lines and possibilities they were given. I am especially taken with the appearance and performance of Leonid Bichevin. The scenery was gorgeous and all details seemed quite authentic. That said, it was sometimes quite hard to follow who was on which side. I didn't understand the motives of people choosing for one side or the other or why they changed sides.That also apllied for the choices the main characters made in their personal lives. The steps they took seemed to be too big and a bit random and I wasn't taken along enough in their thought processes and struggles. It seemed like the director wanted to show too much in too few episodes. Also the characters were a bit one dimensional for my taste: they were either good or bad. No layering. So in the end I was left with mixed feelings about this production, but mostly I look fondly back at an educational and entertaining Russian production. I'm open for more.

Nice surprise on Netflex!

[julian-35440 · 9/10 · 26 September 2018]

An epic depiction of the chaotic times of the Russian revolution. Production values are excellent as are the actors. I was especially impressed with how well the series showed the highly complex reactions of the Russian people of all classes to the constantly shifting politics and allegiances of this dreadful time. I don't speak much Russian, but it was a joy to hear it spoken ...the subtitles in English seemed very good

Too artsy-fartsy for me

[AttyTude0 · 1/10 · 19 September 2018]

Yes, I can see how this will cause the usual suspects to convulse in ecstasy. Not my thing, I'm afraid. Too Mother Russia, too arsty-farsty, too rich for my blood. My loss, I'm sure. But you know what they say, 'It takes all sorts to make the world.'

So, much joy may this bring to the eggheads, but this phillistine is moving on to other things.

Oh, by the way. The author of the book on which this series is based is Aleksey Nikolayevich Tolstoy, not Leo Tolstoy - the author of Anna Karenina, among other novels - although the former's father was remotely related to the latter.

I hope this does not disappoint anyone.

More Riveting than Dr. Zhivago

[mark-stang · 10/10 · 4 January 2019]

Excellent, binge-watchable series. Not an art film, despite other comment here. Characters well developed and battle scenes well done.

For the love of Russia

[catherineskoularikis · 10/10 · 30 January 2019]

A superb historical drama in all respects. Amazing cinematography, sets, music, costumes, epic scenes that transfer us to Russia in this turbulent time of its history. As it's based on the book by Alexey Tolstoy, credits for the story and the characters should be given to him. What captured me was the depth and realistic depiction of the heroes. Their conflicting emotions and responses to the unexpected and sudden turn of events that are out of their control. It is not just a "love story" as some viewers have called it; that would be degrading to the story itself. It is a story about Russia, the people who claiming / believing they love it did horrible things in the name of this love. It is not a coincidence that all the characters, who represent all different social classes and interests, say the same: "We do it for Russia", "We have to save the motherland", "We need a new Russia". All well-said and well-intended but with the consequences that history showed this "love" had.

Binge-watchable!

[junezelno-1 · 10/10 · 22 December 2018]

Netflix gave us Kurt v Sura which was the best until the Road to Calvary came along. It has everything: great acting, beautiful cinematography, perfect music score, history, costumes, love, war and on and on. Too bad Hollywood doesn't produce film like this. I am on my second go around watching this, and continue to get more and more out of it. The whole thing is timeless. You do not have to be a Russophile to enjoy it, but after watching you might become one!

Great Miniseries!

[tamarchach · 10/10 · 28 September 2018]

I love this miniseries, seems like a high quality movie, acting, music, writing, decorations ,costumes ,all combined is just superb. Directing and cinematography is superb also. I will not go into details , don't like spoilers myself, but if you like history drama with all the necessary ingredients such as love , politics , war, suspense , interesting story-line , than just sit back and enjoy this mini series.

Excellent In All Aspects

[partha-partha-som · 9/10 · 22 November 2018]

This is an excellent series, both gripping and emotional without being melodramatic. Acting, script, direction, cinematography, use of music --everything is very well executed.

Superb.

[fanfictin1 · 8/10 · 9 May 2019]

I am usually pretty critical of Russian productions surrounding the Soviet and Revolutionary era-all of them are kind of wrapped in a nostalgic haze, for which all aspects of production seriously suffer. But this is a work of art: excellent acting, gorgeous music, beautiful cinematography.... I am so impressed and grateful that I have the opportunity to watch this. Well done.

Poor substitute of a great play

[mazcoroni · 1/10 · 3 October 2019]

The series are in Russian and since I'm a Russian speaker I can absolutely state that it is a disgrace to acting profession. I will not go into discussion how 1915-1920 were presented to viewers, but I want to point out the way actors play. The Russian actors completely forgot how to speak Russian, especially the language of that particular era. They sound unnatural. There is no trace of Stanislavsky method at all. They sound miserable when they have to present their feelings. It is absolutely painful to watch. The original miniseries of 1977 presented acting skills on the cosmic level compared to this production. I'm so ashamed that my former countrymen lost the beauty of the language completely. It is a disgrace

Good drama

[zhalmilli · 10/10 · 5 November 2018]

A story of the Horrible days during the WW 1 and the Bolshevik revolution . good story and episodes drama.

Came for the history, stayed for the Tolstoy!

[babarumraisin-62204 · 8/10 · 2 November 2018]

Bed sheet hooded muggers on springs? GTFOH! I really wished that I had learned Russian so as not to be drawn away from the characters! A Downton Abbey spin-off to a T!

Exceptional

[evantheodorsabatke · 10/10 · 18 September 2023]

The Road to Calvary, the exceptional miniseries from 2017, stands out as a compelling and historically grounded portrayal of the Russian Revolution. This masterpiece artfully combines riveting storytelling with outstanding performances by its cast, truly immersing viewers in a turbulent period of history.

The actors deserve commendation for their brilliant portrayals of complex characters navigating the challenging times of the Russian Revolution. Their performances breathe life into the historical figures, making the audience emotionally invested in their fates.

Set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution, this series does a commendable job in shedding light on the socio-political upheaval that defined an era. It captures the essence of the times, from the fervor of the revolutionary ideals to the harsh realities faced by ordinary people swept up in the storm of change.

The attention to historical accuracy is evident throughout the series, showcasing meticulous research and a commitment to staying true to the events of the Russian Revolution. This dedication adds depth to the narrative, allowing viewers to gain a profound understanding of the period.

"The Road to Calvary" doesn't just entertain; it educates and resonates on a profound level. It's a reminder of the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity and a tribute to those who lived through these tumultuous times. This miniseries is a testament to the enduring power of historical storytelling when brought to life by a talented cast and crew. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in history, and it offers a captivating glimpse into a pivotal moment in Russian history that continues to shape the world today.

Cannot better AttyTude0's summary "Too artsy fartsy"!

[elnoviodelamuerte · 1/10 · 15 January 2020]

I love Russia & Russian history, BUT I did not manage to finish the first episode. I could not connect with any of the highbrow, affected characters, women or men who seemed to revel in narcissist, intellectual onanism. No comparison to War & Peace, Crime & Punishment or Doctor Zhivago!