Watch Mathilde: The Affair to Break an Empire

Mathilde: The Affair to Break an Empire is a 2017 biographical drama set in the Russian Empire in the aftermath of World War I. The film follows the fascinating life of Mathilde Kschessinska, a renowned ballerina who was once the mistress of the future Tsar Nicholas II. Directed by acclaimed Polish filmmaker Alexei Uchitel, the movie stars Michalina Olsza'ska as Mathilde and Lars Eidinger as Nicholas.

The film opens in the year 1918, shortly after the execution of the Tsar and his family by the Bolsheviks. Mathilde is living in emigration in Paris and is approached by a young reporter who is curious about her past relationship with Nicholas. From this point on, the story of Mathilde's rise to fame and her tumultuous love affair with the future Tsar are told in a series of flashbacks.

We first meet Mathilde as a young girl learning ballet from her mother in St. Petersburg. Her talent is immediately spotted by the ballet master Marius Petipa, who takes her under his wing and casts her as the lead in his production of The Sleeping Beauty. This is where she first meets Nicholas, who is serving in the Imperial Guard and attending the ballet with his mother.

Nicholas is immediately besotted with Mathilde and begins visiting her backstage after each performance. Although he is engaged to Princess Alix of Hesse, Mathilde becomes his mistress and the two engage in a passionate and often turbulent love affair. Mathilde is fascinated by Nicholas's power and status, but is wary of the dangers that come with being involved with a member of the royal family.

As the film progresses, we see Mathilde's career continue to flourish, and she becomes one of the most famous ballerinas in Europe. Along the way, she has other lovers, including the renowned composer Sergei Rachmaninoff, but her relationship with Nicholas remains the most significant.

The film is visually stunning, with lavish sets and costumes that transport the viewer back to pre-revolutionary Russia. The scenes of Mathilde and Nicholas together are particularly mesmerizing, with the chemistry between Olsza'ska and Eidinger crackling onscreen. The film also does an excellent job of exploring the complexities of their relationship, which is both passionate and fraught with tension.

One of the most impressive aspects of the film is the way it portrays Mathilde as a strong and independent woman in a time when that was rare. Despite her love for Nicholas, she refuses to be subservient to him and maintains her autonomy throughout the affair. This is exemplified in a scene where the two are dancing together, and Mathilde breaks away to perform a solo that showcases her talent and confidence.

Overall, Mathilde: The Affair to Break an Empire is a captivating and visually stunning biopic that sheds light on a fascinating period in Russian history. Michalina Olsza'ska gives an impressive performance as Mathilde Kschessinska, and Lars Eidinger is equally compelling as Nicholas II. The film succeeds in bringing the audience into the world of pre-revolutionary Russia and exploring the complex relationship between the two lovers. Highly recommended for those interested in historical dramas and ballet enthusiasts alike.

Mathilde: The Affair to Break an Empire is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes.