Perhaps first time a movie has ever lived up to the book
Benjamin Lentz | Enid, OK United States | 03/05/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Brillant screen performance of one of the best psychological stories ever. Beautifully done in black-and-white this version holds completely true to the written work so much so that you could follow along with book in hand from scene to scene. While completely in Russian, the mesmorizing performances and emotionl feel of the film come through just as powerfull to non-Russian speakers.
I first caught this version on TV while living in Moscow, and ironically had just re-read Crime and Punishment the previous week and as such would usually have just passed it by. However the performances of Sofia and Raskonikov are so powerfull and captivating that I found myself sitting completely through it from start to finish (and its quite long at nearly 4 hours). You will be haunted by Sofia's performance and her eyes, the tremble of her voice; this perfectly innocent soul comes of the screen in her unspoken words. Just as memorable from this version is Raskonikov's performance as he slips into insanity, and again her the highlight comes from what he doesn't say.
All in all an enjoyable version for all. Those who already know the story will find new love for it in the two passionate performances of its leads. While those who have perhaps never read the book will find it easier to understand because of the powerfull emotion that transends the words."
The Greatest adaptation ever done!
Conrado F. Bhering | 06/26/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Without any doubt, this film is the most perfect and the most faithfull adaptation of a great novel ever done. It is a long film, but when you watch it, you won't regret, I can assure you. Congratulations to Amazon for allowing us costumers to buy this cinematic treasure. Also, the DVD is at a great price, considering that it has a lot of extras, interwies, etc. Buy it today!"