Voskreseniye

Cinematic adaptations of Tolstoy's last great novel 'Resurrection' are abundant. Notable versions are those of Rolf Hansen and Mizoguchi whilst it is probably best to pass over Mamoulian's homogenised Hollywood version. In film, as in sport, it is very often the 'home team' that has the advantage and that is definitely the case in this film directed by one who was at the time a relative newcomer, Mikhail Schweitser.

Released in two parts it is on an epic scale and presents a panoramic view of Tsarist society with an emphasis on the utterly corrupt nature of its judicial system. Tolstoy's novel faced both censure and censorship when it was first published and the characters of fallen woman Katyusha Maslova and profligate Prince Nekhlyudov are symbols of social injustice and glaring inequality.

When a classic is brought to the screen and text becomes image, the casting is absolutely vital and Schweitser has chosen well. There is an astonishing film debut here by Tamara Syomina as Katyusha whose journey from virgin to prostitute to condemned prisoner is mesmerising. She finally settles for a platonic relationship with a fellow prisoner in Siberia and her own 'resurrection' is mirrored by that of Nekhlyudov who is redeemed by witnessing the devastating consequences of elitist arrogance, selfishness and indifference. He is portrayed with the utmost subtlety by the greatly respected Yevgeny Matveyev who was no mean director himself.

The gallery of characters, both major and minor, is superbly realised and the basing of many scenes on Leonid Pasternak's illustrations from the 1898 edition is inspired. Geogi Sviridov has contributed a powerful score.

The lack of subtitles is to be regretted but if one has read the novel, this pretty faithful adaptation by Yvgeny Gabrilovich, its director's visual sense, its excellent performances and its powerful emotions should carry one through. Conversely it might prompt those who have not read the original to do so. Either way the effort is worthwhile.