Saga of the Ancient Bulgars: The Ladder of Vladimir the Red Sun (2004)
2004-12-31
Egypt, Italy, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
181 Min.
PG-13
Overview
The second part of Bulat Mansurov's planned epic film series; “The Saga of the Ancient Bulgars". The film depicts the life and reign of Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavich of Kiev, known in legends as Vladimir the Red Sun. The story begins in 972 AD, after the death of his father, Grand Prince Svyatoslav, which ignites a power struggle among Vladimir and his brothers. The film emphasizes that Russian princes only succeeded when they maintained good relations with the Bulgars and other steppe nations. It also depicts Vladimir's reflection on his rise to power upon receiving the book "The Ladder" in 1005, ten years after his conversion to Christianity.
Cast
Vladimir, Prince of Novgorod
Vladimir in old age
Yaropolk / Svyatopolk "the Accursed"
Altun-Maria
Dobrynya
Mamun, Emir of the Volga Bulgars
Solovushka
Sveneld
Asmud
Duchess Olga
Skomorokh Blessed
Constantine VIII
