The Romanovs

The Romanovs

2013, History  -    -  Playlist 14 Comments
8.37
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Ratings: 8.37/10 from 163 users.

An elegantly produced documentary divided into eight parts and running nearly seven hours in length, The Romanovs beautifully encapsulates the epic story of the Russian Dynasty over the course of over three hundred years.

The first episode opens in 1613 with the crowing of Michael Fyodorovich Romanov as tsar of Russia, setting in motion the origins of the Romanov Dynasty. Co-ruling beside his father for a period of time, he exceeded expectations by restoring peace to a previously perilous relationship with both Sweden and Poland.

Episode 2 captures the reign of Tsarevna (Princess) Sophia Alekseyevna, the first female ruler of Russia, who displayed as much governing savvy and cruel tactics as her male counterparts.

Few tsars loom larger in the perception of the masses than Peter the Great, and he's the subject of the third episode in the series. Although he had tremendous foresight in his attempts to modernize Russia and enact effective foreign policies, Peter neglected to name an heir before his death in 1725. This ushers in the start of episode 4, which details the chaos that ensued amongst those with a thirst for power.

Catherine the Great dominates the fifth episode. An unusually enlightened mind, enraptured by the poetry and philosophy of the time, she enjoyed tremendous public adoration throughout her eventful reign of over three decades.

Episode six details the ascension of Catherine's son Paul following her death in 1796. Reigning only for five short years, Paul was then succeeded by his own son, Alexander, who reigned during the tumultuous period of the Napoleonic Wars.

The seventh segment chronicles the rule of both Nicolas I and his son Alexander II, as well as the Emancipation Reform of 1861, which succeeded in abolishing serfdom. The effects of this revolutionary act - which serves as the basis for the concluding episode - set the stage for the end of the Romanov Dynasty in the early decades of the 20th century.

Viewers will marvel at the scope and depth of this hugely ambitious series, and the Herculean task undertaken by its director. Immaculately researched and brought to life with stunning production values, The Romanovs is a vivid reconstruction of Russian history that's well worth savoring.

Directed by: Maxim Bespaly

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cheryl cameron
cheryl cameron
3 years ago

I am a documentary addict and history buff and I think this is the best documentary I have ever seen. Bravo.

Jon Ledbiry
Jon Ledbiry
3 years ago

I wish it were easier to navigate this site. It takes too long to trail through earlier episodes to reach th later ones, and they're not numbered. Very amateurish setup from topdocumentaryfilms!

Andrei
Andrei
5 years ago

This type of so well made Docudrama movies is made by Star Media, My favorite is Soviet Storm. It's 18 movie series of war in Eastern front of WW2.

Alexi
Alexi
5 years ago

A surprisingly bastardly bloodline like so many other royal blood lines.

Alv V
Alv V
5 years ago

Amazing documentary. I can't remember enjoying a series as much as this. Recommended for anyone with the slightest interest in history.

Sandra
Sandra
6 years ago

Brilliant series. So enjoyed binge-watching it.

Attai
Attai
7 years ago

Amazing why can't i see a Documentary of the Truth.....instead of Lies, I know the Mods will not allow this message to be displayed, because they are the problem'The Ecclecia Militan .....is one of the Largest Icon in History......Ivan the Terrible and his Full Army are Negroes....Black Men, that could not be Iconoclast......Man up and let the Truth be known,

Mary
Mary
7 years ago

Absolutely love this documentary! It was so much fun watching this. Watched it a couple of times already. :-)

Alejandro
Alejandro
7 years ago

I was only going to watch maybe 2 episodes originally but i just finished them all here at 2 o'clock in the morning. Great work!!

Penelope
Penelope
7 years ago

I was really sorry to see the film end. It was excellently done and riveting. I am not a fan of history but I recommend this film to everyone who is even remotely interested in Russia and its immediately surrounding countries.

servoj
servoj
7 years ago

Realy big fan of Geneology and Romanov family history!
Beautifly done, but realy the original russian one is much better than the english though, but still they had nicely done the translation like with the new tv series of Catherin the Great(2014-2015)...

etherealzephyr
etherealzephyr
7 years ago

Great doc on the Tsars as well as economic and social environments of their times. Would love to see an extension that takes you into the Socialist era that continues with the same historical information on leaders as well as the economic/ social data.