User Reviews

Wonderful historical movie bringing on screen Moldova under the reign of Stefan cel Mare, one of the greatest leaders of the Romanian people, during the dark years marked by repeated confrontations with the Otoman empire. Great historical fight scenes, in good Romanian movies' tradition. A must for those interested in historical movies.

Stephen the Great or the 'Saint' (he has been canonized in 1992) ruled Moldavia between 1457-1504 and won European renown for his long resistance to the Ottoman Empire. Never before was Moldavia so expanded and so highly respected as it was during Stephen the Great's rule. A great military and political leader, Stephen consolidated princely authority, furthered economic prosperity, and reorganized the army, thus creating a powerful Moldavian state that hindered the Ottoman advance.Although helped to the throne by Vlad IV (Vlad the Impaler), prince of Walachia, Stephen attacked and defeated Vlad in 1462. Moldavia was prey to the expansionist interests of Hungary, Poland, and the Ottoman Empire, and, in 1467, Stephen repelled an attack by King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary.To prevent the Ottomans from using Walachia as a base of operations, he invaded Walachia and replaced Vlad's pro-Ottoman successor with his own candidate. Stephen continued to repulse Ottoman attacks, winning decisively at Vaslui in 1475. Nevertheless, the Moldavian position grew increasingly weak as other countries, particularly Poland and Hungary, failed to aid Stephen. It was probably on Stephen's deathbed advice that his son and successor, Bogdan, purchased (1513) the continued existence of Moldavia by paying tribute to the sultan.

Prince Stephen the Great (Stefan-voda cel Mare, in Romanian) is of course the most representative and beloved of all the rulers of the Romanian people. His astonishing achievements in resisting to the Turkish Empire, Hungary and Poland, but also in patronizing culture and economy made him a mythical figure. This is the real story, in a few words. But quite sadly the movie is not so captivating. It makes Prince Stephen a mere living statue, always sure of himself and reciting his moralizing and patriotic speeches (not so far for us Romanians from Ceausescu's obsession with too much claimed independence and patriotism). As a child I was fascinated by this movie, and the battle scenes are still very enjoyable. But first of all, it has some extraordinary music (by the Romanian composer Theodor Grigoriu). The opening scene literally made my hair stand to its end: a quiet traveling on prosaic, modern day Vaslui city (which is nearby the site of one of Stephen's greatest victories), which brings us to the statue of the Prince, and suddenly the formidable music bursts. And on with the action, back into history. But in a word, that great hero deserved a more artistic approach.

a film who represents the period of making, the desire of propaganda to use the national history as tool, the fight of director to save the story using slices from the novel by Mihail Sadoveanu The Brothers Jder. in essence, drawing of a memorable battle and portrait of a great Romanian Medieval hero. the speeches, the message who ignores historical authenticity are, today, only details. Gheorghe Cozorici does a decent job and that is key of the success of film today. his Stephen the Great is image of a mythological hero- wise, courageous, powerful and vulnerable in same measure. sure, the source of emotion is not always most inspired, the dialogs are not always convincing. but it is a crumb from an under political regime's culture. and the science to do more than a fresco of a battle but a sensitive country fighting for its freedom is the basic virtue of film.

Mixture of history and propaganda. Page of national chronicle, testimony for Comunist regime of its important, messianic role in the Romanian destiny.

In same measure, a beautiful film about sacrifice and courage,realistic image of Moldavian Middle Age, description of a special reign for Romanian conscience and a interesting acting.

Stefan the Great is principal ruler of Romanian past,Orthodox saint, romantic character and national hero, the Romanian as archetype. His private life, military art, battles and monasteries, glory and legends, portraits and errors, religious spirit and cruelty are parts of national conscience and bricks of Golden Age. The film presents each this elements as aspects of a impressive father of nation, with some pink shadows and deep respect for facts. In fact, "Stefan cel Mare" is reflection of subtle art of a great film director for who the image as touching message was an iron rule.