Nicholas and Alexandra Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A clueless royal couple makes terrible decisions and then a crazy monk shows up, leading to everyone getting shot in a basement.

🍿 Nicholas and Alexandra: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Birth of Alexei and Growing Unrest

The film opens in 1904 with the birth of Alexei, the only son and heir to Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra. Alexei is quickly diagnosed with hemophilia, a devastating blow to the royal family. Simultaneously, Russia is embroiled in the Russo-Japanese War, fueling widespread poverty and discontent among the Russian people.

Rasputin’s Influence

Alexandra, desperate to save her son, falls under the influence of Grigori Rasputin, a mystical peasant who claims to have healing powers. Rasputin’s growing influence over the royal family alienates them from the Russian aristocracy and public. Rumors of Rasputin’s scandalous behavior and political meddling further erode the Tsar’s authority.

World War I and Revolution

Russia enters World War I in 1914, leading to immense losses and economic hardship. Nicholas takes personal command of the army, leaving Alexandra in charge of the government under Rasputin’s influence. The situation in Russia deteriorates rapidly, with food shortages, strikes, and mutinies. Revolution is brewing in the streets of Petrograd.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Nicholas (Michael Jayston): The last Czar of Russia, a well-meaning but ultimately inept ruler unable to adapt to the changing times.
• Alexandra (Janet Suzman): The Czarina of Russia, a deeply religious and politically influential figure whose reliance on Rasputin contributed to the downfall of the dynasty.
• Alexis (Roderic Noble): The hemophiliac heir to the Russian throne, whose illness significantly impacted his parents’ decisions and the stability of the empire.
• Rasputin (Tom Baker): A mystical peasant who gained considerable influence over the Russian Imperial family due to his perceived ability to heal Alexis.
• Lenin (Michael Bryant): The leader of the Bolshevik party, a revolutionary determined to overthrow the Tsarist regime and establish a communist state.
• Grand Duke Nicholas (Nikolasha) (Harry Andrews): A Grand Duke and military leader in Russia.
• The Queen Mother Marie Fedorovna (Irene Worth): The Queen Mother and the mother of Nicholas.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Tsar Nicholas II: “Taking someone’s life, no man should have that power.” – Nicholas reflects on the immense power he once held and the moral implications of taking a life.
• Tsar Nicholas II: “Yes. And I have learned that a strong man needs no power, and a weak man is destroyed by it.” – Nicholas expresses his changed perspective on power, recognizing its corrupting influence.
• Tsar Nicholas II: “He’s like a child. You don’t shoot children, do you? In your new world, are there penalties for innocence?” – Nicholas pleads for the lives of his children, questioning the morality of the Bolsheviks.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $9,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Nicholas and Alexandra Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I’ve always been a sucker for historical dramas, and this one did not disappoint. The costumes and sets were AMAZING; I felt like I was transported to Imperial Russia. The ending, though…brutal. I got weirdly attached to the family, even though they were kind of clueless about what was going on with their people. I was also super impressed by Tom Baker! He was awesome as Rasputin and I can’t imagine anyone else in the role.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in Russian history”
  • “Those who appreciate lavish costume design”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Execution depiction”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “A beautifully mounted historical drama, ‘Nicholas and Alexandra’ suffers from a lack of narrative drive despite its lavish sets and costumes. While the performances are solid, the film’s excessive length and detached storytelling prevent a truly immersive experience.
• Gold Derby: “While not among the flashiest nominees, ‘Nicholas and Alexandra’ stands as a testament to classic filmmaking. Its detailed sets and performances offer a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in history, though its subdued style may not appeal to all viewers.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were captivated by the detailed recreation of Imperial Russia and the tragic love story between Nicholas and Alexandra.: The film’s lavish costumes, grand sets, and compelling performances were widely praised, drawing viewers into the tumultuous world of the Romanovs.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning historical drama with strong performances, though some find it slow-paced.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Art Direction)- 1972
2. Academy Award (Best Costume Design)- 1972

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Sir Laurence Olivier suggested Tom Baker for the role of Rasputin after working with him at the National Theatre.”
• “The movie was primarily filmed in Spain, using locations such as the Royal Palace of Madrid to stand in for Russian palaces.”
• “To resemble the real Nicholas, Michael Jayston wore dental plumpers to change the shape of his face and spent hours studying historical photographs and newsreels.”

🖥️ How to Watch Nicholas and Alexandra?

As of October 2024, “Nicholas and Alexandra” is available for purchase or rental on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local streaming services for availability, as options may vary by region. Unfortunately, it is not available for free streaming on any of the major platforms. You can also search for used copies of the DVD on websites such as Ebay.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Nicholas and Alexandra, you might like these similar films:

• The Last Emperor (1987): Both films depict the downfall of an emperor and the end of an era through lavish production design and compelling character studies.
• Doctor Zhivago (1965): Shares the Russian Revolution setting and explores the impact of political upheaval on personal lives, focusing on the aristocracy.
• Reds (1981): Examines the Russian Revolution from an American perspective, delving into the ideological fervor and revolutionary spirit.
• Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny (1996): Focuses specifically on the life and influence of Grigori Rasputin and his relationship with the Romanov family.

🛒 Nicholas and Alexandra Related Products

• Nicholas and Alexandra: The Classic Account of the Fall of the Romanov Dynasty: Robert K. Massie’s book which the movie is based on. A comprehensive look into the lives and historical context of Nicholas and Alexandra.
• The Romanovs: 1613-1918: Simon Sebag Montefiore presents a full history of Romanovs dynasty. This book provides a broader overview of the family.
• Anastasia [Blu-ray]: An animated movie loosely based on the story of Anastasia, Nicholas’ daughter.
• Russian Nesting Dolls Babushka Matryoshka Dolls Hand Carved Hand Painted Set 5 Pieces – Romanov Royal Family: A set of hand-painted nesting dolls representing the Romanov family.

🎧 Soundtrack

Nicholas and Alexandra features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Wiegenlied (Lullaby) Op. 49 No. 4” – performed by Johannes Brahms
• “Nicholas and Alexandra – Main Title” – performed by Richard Rodney Bennett

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Romanov’s Goodbye

Ever wondered how you’d feel if you knew your time was up? This haunting music video, featuring footage from the movie, really captures the emotion of the Romanovs’ last moments. The song is beautiful!

Nicholas II: What’s Left of Me

Want to see how deeply this movie affected some viewers? This tribute video uses music and movie clips to create a moving portrayal of Nicholas II. It’s amazing what fans can create!

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