AGONY

by Elem Klimov (Agonia, URSS, 1974, 2h31, vostf)

starring Alekseï Petrenko, Anatoli Romachine, Velta Line, Aleksandr Romantsov

1916. Russia at war is on the verge of collapse. Tsar Nicholas II and his wife, under the spell of the healer and monk Rasputin, are unaware of the impending drama. Some of his entourage, such as Prince Yusupov, regard the influence of the cleric as detrimental and are outraged by his debauched conduct. So they hatch a plan to murder him.