Legend No. 17

Legend No. 17

Year: 2013

Runtime: 134 mins

Language: Russian

Drama

Biopic of Russian ice hockey legend Valeri Kharlamov from early childhood, rising to the pinnacle of the sport and his untimely death

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Legend No. 17 (2013)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Legend No. 17 (2013). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1956-1972

The story unfolds across a span from 1956, following Kharlamov's boyhood, through the 1960s in Moscow and Chebarkul, and culminates in the 1972 Summit Series in Montreal. The period is marked by Cold War tensions, intense sports culture, and political scrutiny of athletes, shaping the pressures and ambitions of the era.

Location

Pamplona, Spain, Moscow, Chebarkul, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Montreal

The film moves across several settings tied to Kharlamov's life: a youth backdrop in Pamplona, Spain during the Running of the Bulls energy; Moscow as the epicenter of Soviet hockey in the late 1960s; and Chebarkul in Chelyabinsk Oblast where the young player joins the Zvezda squad. It later returns to the capital for CSKA Moscow and national-team trials, and finally culminates in Montreal during the 1972 Summit Series.

🏙️ Moscow 🏞️ Chelyabinsk Oblast 🌍 Montreal 🌆 Pamplona

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 09:37

Main Characters – Legend No. 17 (2013)

Meet the key characters of Legend No. 17 (2013), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Valeri Kharlamov (Danila Kozlovsky)

A gifted, fearless forward whose speed and instinct define his rise. The character embodies resilience, loyalty to his teammates, and an unwavering drive to prove himself under intense political and professional scrutiny.

🏅 Talent 💪 Determination 🤝 Team player

Anatoly Tarasov (Oleg Menshikov)

A legendary coach who fuses rigorous training with a visionary approach. He challenges Kharlamov to grow beyond talent alone, emphasizing discipline, tactical innovation, and loyalty to the team.

🎯 Strategy 🧭 Mentor

Balashov (Vladimir Menshov)

A curator who exerts political pressure, nudging players to sign papers against their coach. His role highlights the political climate surrounding Soviet sport and the personal cost of dissent.

🏛️ Politics ⚖️ Pressure

Bobrov (Aleksandr Yakovlev)

A new coach appointed to lead the national team during a transitional period, tasked with ensuring Kharlamov's inclusion in pivotal competitions. He represents a shift in leadership dynamics.

🏢 Leadership 🔄 Change

Irina Smirnova (Svetlana Ivanova)

Kharlamov's love interest who offers emotional support during challenging moments. Her relationship adds a human dimension to the athlete's life amid fame and pressure.

❤️ Romance 👥 Support

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 09:37

Major Themes – Legend No. 17 (2013)

Explore the central themes of Legend No. 17 (2013), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧭 Leadership

Tarasov mentors Kharlamov, shaping his style and attitude on the ice. The coach pushes him to balance raw talent with discipline and loyalty to the team. This dynamic shows how guidance can unlock potential and define a career.

⚖️ Politics

Kharlamov faces pressure from authorities to align with the party line. The film shows how political expectations intrude on sport, testing his integrity and resolve. Refusing political coercion becomes a defining moment.

💪 Resilience

A severe leg injury threatens his career, but rehabilitation and determination drive him back to form. The comeback demonstrates mental toughness as crucial as physical ability. Perseverance over adversity is central to his arc.

🤝 Teamwork

Tarasov builds an elite trio around Kharlamov with Mikhailov and Petrov, illustrating how chemistry and trust amplify individual skill. The story emphasizes collective effort over lone heroism. Success on the ice depends on unity.

❤️ Identity

Kharlamov's romance with Irina provides emotional support amid public pressure. The film highlights national pride in the USSR and the personal costs of rising stardom. The Summit Series frames sport as a stage for broader cultural identity.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 09:37

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Inspirational underdog biopics like Legend No. 17

True stories of resilience and triumph against overwhelming personal and systemic obstacles.Find more movies like Legend No. 17 that chronicle true stories of perseverance. If you enjoyed the journey of Valeri Kharlamov, you'll appreciate these inspiring biopics about figures who overcame great odds through sheer grit and determination.

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Narrative Summary

This thread follows a classic biographical arc, beginning with the protagonist's early struggles, moving through key challenges and mentors, and culminating in a hard-won, often public, triumph. The central conflict is usually between the individual's potential and the external forces arrayed against them.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on a true underdog story, a linear and steady narrative progression, and a tone that balances hardship with an ultimately hopeful and triumphant spirit.

Movies with bittersweet endings like Legend No. 17

Stories where great achievements are shadowed by poignant loss or reflection.Discover films similar to Legend No. 17 that feature a bittersweet conclusion. If you appreciated the mix of triumphant victory and poignant reflection, these movies blend celebration with a deeper, often somber, emotional weight.

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Narrative Summary

The stories in this thread build towards a significant achievement—winning a championship, completing a goal—but the climax is undercut by the knowledge of a prior loss, a great personal cost, or an impending tragedy. The ending feeling is neither purely happy nor sad, but a complex blend of both.

Why These Movies?

They are linked by their specific emotional payoff: a climax that is victorious yet tempered by sadness or sacrifice. This creates a unique viewing experience that is both uplifting and deeply moving.

Unlock the Full Story of Legend No. 17

Don't stop at just watching — explore Legend No. 17 in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Legend No. 17 is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Legend No. 17 Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Legend No. 17, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Legend No. 17 Summary

Legend No. 17 Timeline

Track the full timeline of Legend No. 17 with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Legend No. 17 Timeline

Legend No. 17 Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Legend No. 17 that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Legend No. 17 Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Legend No. 17

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Legend No. 17: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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