The Russian Five
SIFF's capsule summary: "Sports and politics clash in this compelling historical documentary about five Russian hockey stars who defected to America to join the Detroit Red Wings in the 1980s, [spoiler unless you know hockey history.] leading to the team's back-to-back Stanley Cup championships." (US, 2018, 97 minutes)
SIFF link: The Russian Five
This film was a documentary about five Russian hockey players who gradually helped turn the Detroit Red Wings around from the "dead wings" to Stanley Cup contenders.
I'm not much of a fan of sports films, but this is so good that I enjoyed all but the "third period" of the film, which was most focused on the sports. But the film drew me back in with a very impressive "overtime" period. I rate it good for non-sports fans, excellent for fans.
The film told a good story, assembling interviews with stock footage and engaging graphics.
Overall, I rate the film very good.
Note: beware other reviews of the film unless you really trust the critic to stay away from spoilers. (Even SIFF had something I'd call a spoiler in its capsule description!) Trailers may include spoilers too. Of course, if you're a Red Wings fan or hardcore hockey fan, you know the spoilers - and you already want to see it.
Languages: English (and possibly a little Russian with English subtitles, but I forget).
Rating: I don't think this film has a US rating (yet), but I'd guess it would rate a "PG", unless some language slipped past my notice.
Screening: noon, Pacific Place (room 4).
Audience: a typical SIFF press screening crowd, somewhat over 100, about 285 seats (estimated capacity).
Snacks: none.
Ads and announcements: no ads at press screenings; SIFF volunteer "J" provided announcements.
Notes to myself:
SIFF statistics: 2 films (both features), no parties.
SIFF link: The Russian Five
This film was a documentary about five Russian hockey players who gradually helped turn the Detroit Red Wings around from the "dead wings" to Stanley Cup contenders.
I'm not much of a fan of sports films, but this is so good that I enjoyed all but the "third period" of the film, which was most focused on the sports. But the film drew me back in with a very impressive "overtime" period. I rate it good for non-sports fans, excellent for fans.
The film told a good story, assembling interviews with stock footage and engaging graphics.
Overall, I rate the film very good.
Note: beware other reviews of the film unless you really trust the critic to stay away from spoilers. (Even SIFF had something I'd call a spoiler in its capsule description!) Trailers may include spoilers too. Of course, if you're a Red Wings fan or hardcore hockey fan, you know the spoilers - and you already want to see it.
Languages: English (and possibly a little Russian with English subtitles, but I forget).
Rating: I don't think this film has a US rating (yet), but I'd guess it would rate a "PG", unless some language slipped past my notice.
Screening: noon, Pacific Place (room 4).
Audience: a typical SIFF press screening crowd, somewhat over 100, about 285 seats (estimated capacity).
Snacks: none.
Ads and announcements: no ads at press screenings; SIFF volunteer "J" provided announcements.
Notes to myself:
SIFF statistics: 2 films (both features), no parties.