Legend No. 17 (2013)

Must See Movie...

what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

The acting in this movie is really good.

Sport movies are pathetic and there is no way around that fact. This can especially be said for the modern Russian sport movies, which tend to confront the Western culture by glorifying the past achievements in the sport arenas. Hockey was the best Russian collective sport and it still is, mimicking the power and awe of USSR times. Among many stories that had been written on the ice pack, the one of Valeri Kharlamov is one the most dynamic, although not depicting the tragic ending. All the elements of a classic sport story will be there, the stellar uprising, the moral dilemmas and challenges that follow the glory and a triumphant resurrection in the legendary revial matches between USSR and Canada. On the other side, little will be given on the depth of characters and the acting will be just mediocre, with an exception of ever versatile Oleg Menshikov, here portraying the legendary coach and the father of modern Soviet hockey armada and collective sport itself, Tarasov. If you are into sport movies, "Legend N.17" will please you in a really decent way.

This movie made me to write my first review EVER! It was like a trip to the past for I can remember the famous Kharlamov-Mikhailov-Petrov hockey players and - Lord forgive me - we hated them for they were SOOO good and could beat our national team whenever they wanted to - well, almost whenever!!! And suddenly, the movie showed me another perspective and consumed me with all the interesting info, its well-elaborated screenplay and shots of hockey. It was just like being there. I appreciated all those details that illustrated life in those stupid, stupid years. Sure, there are some weak spots (f.e.big bad Canadians being too big and too bad - but the Russians could see it in that way back then) but they cannot change the fact that this is a GREAT movie. Danila Kozlovskij as Kharlamov was very good, but it was not just about him. All the actors were near perfect, even in the small roles (those permanent drunks, the doctor, other players :)) Definitely worth seeing.

To begin with I would like to tell that I am student from Russia and I've watched a lot of Russian "films" (not sure If that can be called that word, I'd prefer "ads in cinema"). I would like to write a review for those foreighns who would like to watch this film. I really want everyone in the world to watch it, cause it worse it. This film is about the will, will to win, to fight, to play hockey. This film is on the same level with American films, plot is nice, film makes you feel, actors are really nice (it is so unsual for Russian films), there is nothing you can call bad. I am not going to describe the plot or something, but if you want to watch some Russian modern films, you should watch this one, and you will be 100% satisfied.

Great movie. Even if you are not into hockey or not great fun of Russians, the film shows a story about one man who followed his dream, worked hard and won. The man was known as the best player of his time. It also shows the trainer who brought the natural talent to the professional level, the greatest level. Intrigues in soviet sport are true story and that's unbelievable how a man can fight against the system. Brilliant play of actors. Based on true story the only fake is chronology of scenes. I hope that in other languages film doesn't loose on quality. The original was great. I had to wipe tears few times (I'm very emotional))) and even my hubby was touched (that doesn't happen often ))) Emotional, inspirational and sincere!