Product Description

Master and Margarita (2005) is based on the eponymous book by Mikhail A. Bulgakov. Set in Moscow under Stalin and in Jerusalem under Pilate, it has several story-lines where history, religion and politics are intertwined. The sacrifices of Master (Galibin), a talented author of a manuscript about the biblical Pontius Pilate, and Master's muse - Margarita (Kovalchuk), are paralleled by the biblical story of Ieshua in Ierushalaim, and the deceit of the cowardly ambiguous Pilate (Lavrov), whose character alludes to a Soviet leader. The reality is distorted by Satan Woland (Basilashvili), and his lieutenants, who are manipulating public events and people's lives by pushing the buttons of human weaknesses and sins. Margarita taps into Woland's power, trying to save Master. The character of Master is autobiographical, burning of his manuscript alludes to what Bulgakov himself did under threats from the Soviet authorities.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #64337 in DVD
• Number of discs: 3
• Format: NTSC
• Subtitled in: English

Customer Reviews

Worth waiting 40 years for
I first read the book in the 70's, not sure exactly when. To put it mildly, the book blew my mind. I enjoyed, aznd still do, and knew there was a poitical edge to it, but like any good book, it can be read without knowing the political background.
Checking IMDB.com I find that it has been filmed several times. I saw the Italian version in the mid 70's, and the best thing that can be said about it is that it appears to have disappeared. This was not one Ugo Tognazzi's better films, in fact I wouldn't be surprised to know he was ashaned of it. If not, he should be.
There was a reference to the 1994 version, reputedly the best one ever made. Well, the into was a bit aqmbigous, it seems to imply that thie was the 2005 version. Well it isn't, it is the 1994 version.
I had seen parts of it Youtube, but none of it was subtitled, or only parts of it. I fell in love with that version, and low and behold, this is the version on Youtube.
What is the storyline? Prof. Wolen comes to Mosgow, and has a meeting with 2 writers. Only this is not some history proffesor, but Satan incarnate.
So, the story comes in 3 part, bathetically. One part involves Satan, a hilarous trouble maker and large, walking talking cat. The adventures of the cat, Behemoth and jokestar, Koroview make up the funniest parts of the film. It was in fact the role of Koroviev that attracted me to the film, the actor is plainly enjoying himself.
The love story is about the Master, and his lover, Margarita. The 2nd half of the film revolves around Margarita and her attempts to get the Master back.
What connects these 2 stories? the most improbable you could imagine: Pontius Pilate and Jesus. The Master wrote a novel about Pilate; Satan tells the story of the trial to Berlioz and a poet; and at the end we realise that the story is the one that the Master wrote.
Highlights to watch for: the black magic performance of Woland and crew at the Variety theatre; Maragarita's night ride through Mosgow; The qalk through hell.
I won't tell you how it ends, that part of the fun.

Not pefect, but very good indeed!
There are many excellent things to enjoy. How rare to find a dramatisation that is so faithful in detail and spirit! Problems? There are deviations, but they rarely distract (Hella lacks her scar, Nikkanor Ivanovich's dream has gone, the ball scenery is simplified etc.), though the subtitles are risible!! Neither AnB nor M.Allen seem too at home in English so perhaps they wouldn't notice.