Battleship Potemkin

Watch Battleship Potemkin

"Revolution is the only lawful, equal, effectual war. It was in Russia that this war was declared and begun."
  • NR
  • 1925
  • 1 hr 15 min
  • 7.9  (61,020)
  • 97

Battleship Potemkin is a 1925 silent film directed by legendary Soviet filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein. The film tells the story of the 1905 mutiny on the Russian battleship Potemkin, which occurred during the early days of the Russian Revolution. The film was commissioned by the Soviet government to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the mutiny, and remains one of the most celebrated works of Soviet cinema.

The film is divided into five acts, each of which tells a different part of the story. The first act, titled "Men and Maggots," depicts the poor conditions that sailors on the Potemkin endured, including the bad food and mistreatment by their commanding officers. The second act, "Drama on the Quarterdeck," shows the mutiny that occurs when the sailors refuse to eat borscht that is made with rotten meat. As a result, the sailors are punished, and their leaders are arrested.

The third act, "A Dead Man Calls for Justice," shows the aftermath of the mutiny, including the funeral of one of the sailors who died during the mutiny. During the funeral procession, the people of Odessa show their support for the mutineers by throwing flowers and cheering them on. The fourth act, "The Odessa Steps," is perhaps the film's most famous sequence, and depicts the massacre of innocent civilians by the Czarist army as they attempt to suppress the revolution.

The final act, "One Against All," shows the Potemkin sailing towards the city of Sevastopol, where the sailors plan to support the revolution. The sailors are met with resistance from the military, and a bloody battle ensues. However, the Potemkin ultimately prevails, and the sailors are hailed as heroes.

Overall, Battleship Potemkin is a powerful and highly influential film that uses innovative techniques such as montage editing and close-ups to depict the violence and chaos of the mutiny and the revolution. The film's famous "Odessa Steps" sequence has been imitated and referenced in countless films and TV shows, and remains one of the most iconic moments in the history of cinema.

The film is also notable for its highly political message, which celebrates the power of the people over the oppressive forces of the state. The film's message is clear: the mutineers on the Potemkin were fighting for a better life, and their struggle was ultimately successful. The film's imagery reflects this message, with shots of the masses rising up against their oppressors and the heroic actions of the sailors on the Potemkin.

While Battleship Potemkin is primarily known as a political film, it is also a masterful work of art. The film's use of montage and other innovative techniques have influenced generations of filmmakers, and its impact can be seen in films ranging from Citizen Kane to Star Wars. The film is also notable for its performances, particularly those of Aleksandr Antonov as the mutiny leader Vakulinchuk and Vladimir Barskiy as the ship's captain.

In conclusion, Battleship Potemkin is a masterpiece of cinema that remains as relevant and powerful today as it was when it was first released nearly a century ago. The film's themes of resistance, revolution, and the power of the people are timeless, and its impact on the history of cinema cannot be overstated. Whether you are a film buff or a student of history, Battleship Potemkin is a movie that should not be missed.

Battleship Potemkin is a 1925 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received outstanding reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 97.

Battleship Potemkin
Description
Where to Watch Battleship Potemkin
Battleship Potemkin is available to watch free on Tubi TV and Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Battleship Potemkin for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1925
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 15 min
  • Language
    Russian
  • IMDB Rating
    7.9  (61,020)
  • Metascore
    97
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