| Vladimir Lenin: Voice of Revolution Our Rating: 9/10 |
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| Release date: 2000; rereleased in 2005 | Length: 50 minutes |
| Age Appropriateness Rating: This video is not officially rated. Originally aired on the Biography Channel, it is completely appropriate for all students in junior or senior high school. |
| Creators and Stars: Biography Channel's "International Profile" series |
| Historical Accuracy: There are no notable inaccuracies in this biographical documentary on the life of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin (1870-1924). |
| Review: This biography
covers the entirety of Lenin's life, from his birth in Simbirsk
in 1870 until his death in 1924. Viewers are able to see,
through the events of Lenin's life, the course of discontent in
Russia that led to the Russian Revolution. It is a
terrific introduction to the study of this time period.
However, the film can be rather sensationalistic and biased against Lenin. For example, much attention is paid to the oppressive aspects of Lenin's rule, but little is said about the forces against Lenin (such as the actions of foreign powers to undermine the Bolshevik government or the Russian Civil War). None of these faults make the film unwatchable, but they should be addressed in any classroom discussion. |
| Miscellaneous: A good deal of Sergei Eisenstein footage is used in the film, accompanied by voiceovers of how inaccurate his Lenin film is. Those students interested in the history of film might be encouraged to check our more of Sergei Eisenstein's films and to look at their role in the Russian propaganda machine. |
| Extra: Will you be playing this video/DVD for your classroom students? We have a printable worksheet to help students take notes while watching this documentary. Taking notes reinforces the content of the film, and the notes can later be used as a study tool. Directing students to take notes also helps to make certain that students pay close attention to the documentary. Click here to access this free worksheet. Click here to buy the DVD. |
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| Click here to view other reviewed and recommended books, films, and documentaries related to this period in history. |
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