Battleship Potemkin
Revolution is the only lawful, equal, effectual war. It was in Russia that this war was declared and begun.
Overview
A dramatized account of a great Russian naval mutiny and a resultant public demonstration, showing support, which brought on a police massacre. The film had an incredible impact on the development of cinema and is a masterful example of montage editing.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Battleship Potemkin was commissioned by the Soviet government to commemorate the 1905 revolution and promote communist ideology. While presented as a historical account, it is heavily propagandistic, shaping the narrative to support the Bolshevik perspective and demonize the Tsarist regime. The film's primary goal was to inspire revolutionary fervor and solidify support for the Soviet state.
- Revolutionary Filmmaking: A pioneering example of montage editing, influencing countless filmmakers.
- Historical Significance: Dramatizes a key event in the lead-up to the 1905 Russian Revolution, providing insight into the socio-political climate.
- Emotional Impact: Despite its age, the film effectively conveys the sailors' plight and the brutality of the Tsarist regime, creating a powerful emotional experience.
- Iconic Scenes: Features some of the most recognizable and referenced scenes in cinema history, such as the Odessa Steps sequence.
Fun Facts
- The film was initially conceived as part of a much larger project depicting the entire 1905 Revolution, but Eisenstein focused solely on the Potemkin uprising due to time constraints.
- The famous 'Odessa Steps' sequence was partly fictionalized; while a massacre did occur, the film dramatically exaggerates the scale and specifics of the event for dramatic effect.
- The film was banned or censored in several countries for its revolutionary content and potential to incite unrest.
Available Languages
English
US
Title: Battleship Potemkin
"Revolution is the only lawful, equal, effectual war. It was in Russia that this war was declared and begun."
Deutsch
DE
Title: Panzerkreuzer Potemkin
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Italiano
IT
Title: La corazzata Potëmkin
"La rivoluzione è l'unica lecita, equa, ed efficace guerra. Fu in Russia che questa guerra venne dichiarata e iniziata."
Français
FR
Title: Le Cuirassé Potemkine
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普通话
CN
Title: 战舰波将金号
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Türkçe
TR
Title: Potemkin Zırhlısı
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Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
I'm not going to attempt to find loads of cinematic superlatives about this. It's just a great film that depicts the epitome of cruelty, indifference and kindred spirit at sea in spades. The crew of this powerful warship are treated little better than prisoners in a gulag. When the ship's doctor insists that their daily meat ration (which could "jump into the water by itself") is safe to eat, a few of them decide to take a stance. Their officer humiliates them, and when they refuse to back down he corners them on deck and orders them shot. This proves the flashpoint for his crewmen who proceed to seize the ship and sail to Odessa where they turn the guns on the army headquarters in the city and the conflagration grows. Will others join them, or will the status quo be returned and their ship destroyed...? Historians have already told us the answers to most of the factual questions, so it's not really about what happens - it is the magnificently poignant and suspenseful fashion in which Eisenstein paces the film. Clearly he has an agenda, his depictions are not exactly even handed - particularly the soldiers in the town dealing with the civilian population, but that doesn't overwhelm the overall sentiment of the sailors rebelling for just reasons, for decent treatment and for a degree of respect that was certainly lacking from their officers. The production itself is superb, the camerawork has an intensity that makes you feel as if you are actually on the boat at times. I'm sure there are more analytical reviews of this film to be had - but I think it is just a wonderful example of a man at the top of his game making an exciting film that delivers entertainment and a bit of thought-provocation in equal measure, at the same time.
Oscar Awards
Wins
Haven't Won A Oscar
Nominations
Haven't Nominated for Oscar
Media
Trailer
2025 UK Re-release Trailer | Music by Pet Shop Boys
Featurette
Mark Kermode reviews Eisenstein's Battleship Potemkin (1925) | BFI Player
Trailer
Battleship Potemkin Trailer 2011 HD Official