Troubles faced by Russian youth as portrayed by Yura Borisov's expansive narrative universe
In the captivating musical-like film "The Poet," Russian actor Yura Borisov brilliantly portrays the life of Alexander Pushkin, a literary genius who stood out in his imperial lycee and was popular among the young crowd.
The film delves into key moments of Pushkin's life, highlighting his poetic prowess, social milieu, and tragic fate. It showcases Pushkin as a gifted young poet, standing out in his educational institution, and grappling with the Russian nobility's Francophone culture.
One of the film's notable scenes portrays Pushkin's fall from imperial favour during the 1825 Decembrist uprising, when his poem "Ode to Liberty" was found among the rebels. This incident marked a turning point in Pushkin's life, leading to his exile and struggles despite his fame.
"The Poet" also focuses on Pushkin's turbulent personal life, particularly his passionate and jealous marriage to a much younger woman, which ultimately led to a fatal duel. This well-known tragic episode is a poignant climax in the film.
In addition to depicting Pushkin's life, the film emphasizes his role in Russian literature. It shows how Pushkin asserted the value of the Russian language over French among the nobility, reflecting the societal and political tensions of the era.
After the success of "The Poet," Borisov continued to work on Russian films, including "Konchitsa Leto" ("Summer Will End"). In this film, Borisov plays Kesha, a man who returns to Yakutia after serving a prison sentence. The film explores themes of Russian multiculturalism and the struggles of youth with limited prospects.
Borisov's versatility in acting is evident in "The Poet," as he convincingly portrays Pushkin in both curls and imperial uniform. His performance in the film earned him an Oscar nomination in 2025 for his role in the film "Anora."
The title of "Konchitsa Leto" is a reference to a popular song by Russian-Korean rock star Viktor Tsoi. In the film, Borisov and his character Kesha go on a road trip through Russia's northern reaches, leaving a trail of white, colonial crimes behind them.
The film "The Poet" ends with a scene implying a potential series of films featuring prominent figures from Russian history and literature. This suggests that Borisov's portrayal of Pushkin could be the first in a series of films about influential Russians.
Robert Downey Jr. publicly acknowledged Borisov during the Oscar ceremony, praising his talent. Borisov's growing popularity in Russian cinema may attract international filmmakers for future roles, further cementing his place in the world of cinema.
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