Alexander Nevsky

Alexander Nevsky

Year: 1938

Runtime: 109 mins

Language: Russian

Directors: Sergei Eisenstein, Dmitriy Vasilev

WarHistoryDramaWar and historical adventureEpic history and literature

Set in 13th‑century Russia, the film dramatizes the historic Battle on the Ice, where Prince Alexander Nevsky leads his outnumbered forces against invading Teutonic Knights. After the enemy captures an eastern Russian city, Alexander rallies the people of Novgorod and confronts the knights on the frozen Lake Chudskoe. Amid the clash, warriors Vasili and Gavrilo vie for the affection of a local maiden.

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Timeline & Setting – Alexander Nevsky (1938)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Alexander Nevsky (1938). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

13th century

Set in the high medieval period when the Teutonic Knights pressed into Rus' lands, particularly around Novgorod and Pskov. The narrative centers on a time of siege, allegiance, and shifting loyalties amid looming invasions. The Battle of the Ice epitomizes the era’s brutal warfare and the resilience of the Russian principalities.

Location

Pskov, Novgorod, Lake Chudskoe

The story unfolds across the key northern Russian centers of Pskov and Novgorod, with pivotal action also taking place on the frozen surface of Lake Chudskoe. These locales function as political and military theaters during a medieval conflict between Novgorod’s defenses and the Teutonic Order. The setting emphasizes fortified cities, trade networks, and the harsh winter conditions shaping warfare.

🗺️ Medieval Europe ⚔️ War 🏰 City-states

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:28

Main Characters – Alexander Nevsky (1938)

Meet the key characters of Alexander Nevsky (1938), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Alexander Nevsky (Nikolai Cherkasov)

The film’s central leader, Alexander Nevsky is summoned to defend Novgorod when Teutonic forces threaten the region. He inspires unity among boyars and commoners and demonstrates strategic restraint alongside decisive action. His role culminates in the Battle of the Ice, where his leadership shapes the fate of Pskov and Novgorod.

🛡️ Leader ⚔️ Warrior 👑 Prince

Vasili Buslai (Nikolai Okhlopkov)

A famed Novgorod commander who forms a rivalry-turned-partnership with Gavrilo Oleksich. Wounded in battle, he is saved by Olga and later honors the contributions of others, even choosing Vasilisa as his bride.

⚔️ Warrior 🏹 Commander 🤝 Rival-turned-ally

Gavrilo Oleksich (Andrei Abrikosov)

A bold Novgorod warrior who competes with Vasili for glory and leadership, yet shares battlefield respect with his rival. He and Vasili are wounded and cared for by Olga, and his ultimate honor is recognized in the final acknowledgments of bravery.

⚔️ Warrior 🧭 Strategist

Olga Danilovna (Valentyna Ivashova)

A Novgorod maid who proves integral in rescuing wounded soldiers and guiding the narrative’s emotional arc. She helps Gavrilo and Vasili and secures a union between Gavrilo and herself as part of the story’s denouement.

💃 Person of influence 🛡️ Ally ❤️ Love-interest

Domash Tverdislavich (Nikolai Arsky)

A Novgorod boyar who serves as a commander within the city’s defense. His presence underscores the collaboration between noble leadership and the common defense against invasion.

🛡️ Leader ⚔️ Warrior

Tverdilo (Sergei Blinnikov)

A traitorous mayor of Pskov whose scheming accelerates the Teutonic assault. His actions ignite the conflict and are ultimately confronted by the townspeople as they seek justice.

🗡️ Villain 🕊️ Betrayal

Amelfa Timoferevna - Buslai's Mother (Varvara Massalitinova)

Buslai’s mother appears among the cast, representing the familial and societal ties surrounding the city’s leaders during the siege. Her role connects the personal stakes of war to the larger conflict.

👩‍👧 Family 🏛️ Social-role

Black monk (Naum Rogozhin)

A monk character who embodies religious presence in the conflict, hinting at spiritual dimensions amid warfare and political tension.

🙏 Faith 🕯️ Monastic

The Archbishop (Lev Fenin)

A high church figure whose position and authority are part of the wartime setting, reflecting the influence of religion on politics and warfare.

⛪ Faith 🧭 Authority

Vasilisa (Vasilisa, daughter of a boyar of Pskov)

A brave young woman who joins the Novgorod forces, fights beside the soldiers, and ultimately slays Ananias; she earns a place among the heroes of the story.

🗡️ Warrior 🦅 Courage 🧭 Heroine

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:28

Major Themes – Alexander Nevsky (1938)

Explore the central themes of Alexander Nevsky (1938), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛡️ Leadership

Alexander Nevsky is portrayed as a decisive leader who unites noble and common support to defend Novgorod. He blends strategic restraint with necessary force, aiming to protect lives while resisting conquest. The Battle of the Ice tests his ability to mobilize diverse groups under extreme pressure. The theme highlights how strong leadership can alter the fate of a city.

🤝 Loyalty

The narrative centers on loyalty among warriors and civilians under threat, including rivalries that deepen into mutual respect. Vasili and Gavrilo’s rivalry gives way to shared purpose, while Olga’s actions reinforce bonds among the fighters. The threads of loyalty underscore the way trust and courage emerge in times of war.

⚖️ Betrayal

Tverdilo’s betrayal acts as a catalyst for invasion and moral conflict. His scheming contrasts with the emerging heroism of Nevsky’s faction, and the resulting chaos provokes a communal reckoning. The theme explores how treachery can catalyze war and shape the choices of those defending the realm.

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:28

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