It is not Mikhalkov's style Russia, the movie lacks patriotism, Russian officers are not shown to be too brave or smart. I think the Orthodox church would hate it because of the way the priest is shown. It's rather sad story with plenty of violence and blood and that makes the interpretation easier to believe. The most likable character is actually Savelich, he is so honest and devoted to his master, so ready to sacrifice his life, and he is plain funny. Grinev and Masha are children by today standarts, Shvabrin lacks some passion (did Pushkin actually intend for Shvabrin to have so indifferent face ... Shvabrin is after all a passionate person), Pugachev is clearly negative (what does one expect from a substance abuser) but they are all vivid characters, and I recommend the movie to anyone remotely interested in Russian history.
