Directed by
Franklin J. Schaffner
Made by
Columbia-Warner Distributors
Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna, the devoted wife of Tsar Nicholas II, joyfully gives birth to their fifth child, a son named Alexei. However, despite the urgent appeals from Grand Duke Nicholas and Count Sergei Witte, Tsar Nicholas stubbornly refuses to terminate the ongoing Russo-Japanese War or to consider the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, fearing that these actions would portray him as weak and jeopardize the stability of the Romanov dynasty. As the war drags on, public dissatisfaction rises, leading a multitude of workers to march to the Winter Palace, hoping to submit a petition for political representation. Tragically, soldiers open fire on the advancing crowd, resulting in the deaths of numerous individuals. This horrific incident ignites a revolution that compels Nicholas to establish the Duma.
During an extravagant gala, Alexandra encounters Grigori Rasputin, a self-styled holy man. As court doctors inform her that young Alexei suffers from hemophilia, Alexandra turns to Rasputin for spiritual support. Over the years, the intimate connection between the royal family and Rasputin, coupled with his controversial behavior, leads to widespread ridicule of the monarchy. Ultimately, Nicholas makes the difficult decision to dismiss Rasputin from court, despite Alexandra’s fervent objections.
Celebrations for the Romanov Tercentenary unfold with grandeur, taking them on a lavish journey through Imperial Russia, yet the disenchantment of the impoverished populace lingers. Amidst the festivities, a shocking assassination of Russian Prime Minister Stolypin occurs. Nicholas responds with severe measures, executing the assassins and allowing law enforcement to instill fear among the peasants, while also closing the Duma.
A tragedy strikes at the Spała Hunting Lodge when Alexei experiences a bleeding episode so grave that it raises fears of his impending death. Alexandra appeals to Rasputin once more, who instructs her to ensure that the doctors leave Alexei undisturbed. Thanks to Rasputin’s alleged intervention, Alexei recovers and is permitted back into the imperial fold.
In the wake of Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination, Nicholas orders the mobilization of the Imperial Russian Army on the border with Austria-Hungary during the July Crisis. Germany’s declaration of war occurs, surprising Nicholas, who had underestimated the situation due to his ties with the Kaiser. As the war progresses unfavorably for Russia on the Eastern Front, Alexandra convinces Nicholas to take command of the troops in person, leaving behind the weary Grand Duke Nicholas.
While Nicholas is away, Alexandra is nominally in charge, yet her series of questionable decisions lead the public to perceive her as a German agent influenced by Rasputin, further straining her popularity amid deteriorating conditions. Nicholas receives a visit from the Dowager Empress, but he remains indifferent to her pleas for him to return to St. Petersburg and eliminate Rasputin from their lives. The assassination of Rasputin brings no relief, as Alexandra’s rule spirals out of control, eventually inciting revolts from workers and soldiers in St. Petersburg. In a desperate attempt to return to Tsarskoye Selo, Nicholas finds himself forced to abdicate on his transport.
The family, accompanied by a small retinue, is exiled by Alexander Kerensky and the provisional government to Siberia after none of Russia’s allies are willing to grant the former royals sanctuary, fearing the aftermath of their autocratic regime would incite similar revolts. However, the provisional government quickly crumbles following the Bolshevik takeover, leading to a civil war. In a state of panic, and fearful of the pro-monarchist “Whites” attempting to reinstate the Romanovs, the Bolsheviks in Moscow order the royal family to be brought back for trial.
While on their way back to the capital, the royal family and their escort are intercepted by representatives of the local revolutionary government, who apprehend them and transport them to Yekaterinburg. Under harsh and oppressive circumstances, they are overseen by Yakov Yurovsky, who receives orders to execute the family. In the dead of night, the family is abruptly awakened by Yurovsky’s men. Under the guise of a transfer, they are led to the cellar where their lives are tragically cut short by execution.
Birth of Alexei
Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna gives birth to her fifth child, a son named Alexei. This joyous occasion is overshadowed by the ongoing Russo-Japanese War, which presents significant challenges for the Romanov dynasty.
Nicholas II's Stubbornness
Despite urgent appeals from Grand Duke Nicholas and Count Sergei Witte to end the Russo-Japanese War and consider constitutional reforms, Tsar Nicholas II refuses. His insistence on maintaining the status quo fuels public dissatisfaction and unrest in Russia.
Workers' March to the Palace
Growing discontent leads thousands of workers to march to the Winter Palace, seeking political representation. The peaceful protest escalates tragically when soldiers open fire on the crowd, resulting in numerous deaths, which incites further revolutionary fervor.
Introduction to Rasputin
During an extravagant gala, Tsarina Alexandra meets Grigori Rasputin, a self-proclaimed holy man. She turns to him for spiritual guidance, particularly concerning her son Alexei's hemophilia, inadvertently entwining him with the royal family.
Rise of Rasputin’s Influence
Over time, the close relationship between the Romanovs and Rasputin, along with his controversial contributions, ridicules the monarchy. Alexandra takes a strong stance against his dismissal, firmly believing in his powers as the family's protector.
Romanov Tercentenary Celebration
The Romanovs celebrate their Tercentenary with opulence, parading through Imperial Russia. However, the festivities are marred by the assassination of Prime Minister Stolypin, prompting Nicholas to execute the assailants to quell public dissent.
Alexei’s Critical Bleeding Episode
While at the Spała Hunting Lodge, Alexei suffers a severe bleeding episode, raising fears for his life. Alexandra seeks Rasputin's assistance once more, following his advice to keep Alexei undisturbed, and the boy thankfully recovers.
Mobilization During July Crisis
Following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Tsar Nicholas orders the mobilization of the Imperial Army against Austria-Hungary. This decision marks the beginning of Russia’s entry into a deeper conflict; however, Nicholas is soon caught off guard by escalating war declarations.
Nicholas Takes Command
As Russia faces losses on the Eastern Front, Alexandra persuades Nicholas to take command of the troops. Leaving Grand Duke Nicholas behind to manage affairs, this decision exposes the empire to public scrutiny and criticism.
Alexandra’s Leadership Struggles
With Nicholas away, Alexandra becomes the nominal leader but faces mounting challenges. Her unpopular decisions, compounded by rumors of Rasputin’s influence, damage her reputation and stoke public outrage.
Rasputin’s Assassination
After a series of crises, Rasputin is assassinated by nobles seeking to save the monarchy from his perceived harmful influence. However, this act does not restore stability, and revolts erupt in St. Petersburg against Alexandra's rule.
Abdication of Nicholas II
As chaos unfolds, Nicholas is forced to abdicate while trying to return to Tsarskoye Selo. His abdication marks the end of the Romanov dynasty's rule in Russia, thrusting the country into political uncertainty.
Exile to Siberia
The provisional government, led by Alexander Kerensky, exiles the royal family to Siberia as no allies offer refuge. This exile signifies the complete fall of the monarchy as civil unrest grows throughout the nation.
Bolshevik Takeover
Following the Bolshevik Revolution, the provisional government collapses, leading to civil war in Russia. The royal family, now a target, faces imminent danger as the Bolsheviks intend to bring them back for trial.
Execution of the Royal Family
In a dark turn of events, the royal family is transported to Yekaterinburg where they are held under harsh conditions. In the dead of night, they are taken to a cellar and executed, ending the Romanov lineage.
Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna
Tsarina Alexandra is characterized by her profound devotion to her family and her struggles with the pressures of imperial duty. Her reliance on Rasputin for spiritual solace amidst her son's hemophilia reflects her vulnerability and the complexities of royal life. Despite her love for Nicholas and her children, her decisions become increasingly controversial and fuel public discontent.
Tsar Nicholas II
Tsar Nicholas II is portrayed as a well-intentioned yet indecisive ruler whose refusal to adapt to changing political landscapes leads to catastrophic consequences. His commitment to maintaining the Romanov dynasty conflicts with the pressing need for reform, ultimately resulting in his downfall. His character embodies the tragic elements of a ruler caught between duty and the tides of revolution.
Grigori Rasputin
Grigori Rasputin emerges as a complex figure wrapped in mystique and controversy. His relationship with the royal family, especially Alexandra, highlights themes of dependency and manipulation. Despite being viewed as a charlatan by many, his influence over the Tsarina and the royal family's fate paints him as a tragic character amid the broader political chaos.
Time period
Early 20th century (1900s)
The early 20th century in Russia was a tumultuous period, characterized by political strife, social upheaval, and the decline of the imperial rule. The Russo-Japanese War and the subsequent revolutions highlighted growing dissatisfaction among the populace, leading to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II in 1917. This era was commonly marked by the struggle between old-world autocracy and the rise of new revolutionary ideologies.
Location
Imperial Russia, St. Petersburg, Siberia, Yekaterinburg
Imperial Russia serves as the grand backdrop, representing opulence and the royal family's regal heritage. St. Petersburg, the capital, is a hub of political unrest and revolutionary fervor where pivotal events unfold, including the tragic shooting of peaceful protesters. Siberia represents desolation and exile for the dethroned Romanovs, while Yekaterinburg becomes their final resting place, marked by tragedy.
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Fate
The theme of fate looms large in the narrative, showcasing how the decisions of Tsar Nicholas II ultimately seal the family’s fate. The intertwining of the royal family with the controversial figure of Rasputin demonstrates the unpredictability of power and influence in times of crisis. The tragic outcomes serve as a stark reminder of how fate can dictate the course of history.
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Revolution
Revolution is a central theme, portrayed through the unrest of the Russian people and their demand for change. The film encapsulates the tragic consequences of revolution, depicted poignantly during the Winter Palace shootings and the eventual fall of the Romanov dynasty. It illustrates the conflict between the ruling class and the oppressed, culminating in a violent struggle for power.
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Love and Loyalty
The love and loyalty between Tsarina Alexandra and her family are poignantly explored throughout the movie. Alexandra's unwavering devotion to her husband and her reliance on Rasputin reveal the lengths she would go to protect her son, Alexei. Yet, this loyalty also shapes her decisions, leading to tragic implications for the family as the political landscape shifts.
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