The television series "Druzhina" is positioned as a historical project, which is characterized by the authenticity and authenticity of the scenery, images and even costumes. Despite the fact that the picture did not receive large-scale resonance, it nevertheless demonstrated the fact that the domestic project can be competitive. The actors of the series “Druzhina” showed an excellent game, were able to reproduce the dialect, the distinctive features of the Russians and a specific combat unit. Even some liberties that were made for the sake of entertainment, do not seem overly simulated or artificial. The project turned out to be extremely lively and colorful. The original mini-series exceeded the creator's expectations, so that he does not deny the possibility of releasing a sequel.
Subtleties of the plot
The project was conceived as a compilation of several feature films. At first, two saw the light - “Princely Cross” and “Varangians”, after which a sequel appeared. The plot is concentrated around the Novgorod squad - a paramilitary unit whose task is to protect the prince. Old Prince Yaroslav sends his most loyal warriors in search of a young prince, who, presumably, was buried in a remote village. The search for a new ruler takes place against the backdrop of the confrontation of Novgorod to the Teutonic Knights, who weave intrigues behind the ruler’s back, bribing the boyars. The team is urged to find the heir as soon as possible and put the Monomakh’s cap on his head, otherwise Russia will face a change of power.
This is exactly what the conception of the princely cross storyline looks like, since this is what the distinguishing feature of the young prince is called. The squad, which consists of several characteristic warriors, goes for a young man, but is faced with robbers. The actors of the series "Druzhina" did an excellent job and showed stern warriors devoted to duty. So, for example, one of the Finist warriors made a vow of silence, but even this did not become a reason for the character's status to drop. The plot of the second film takes place against the backdrop of the landing of the Vikings in the northern lands. The squad again rebuffed the invaders, albeit with difficulty. The characters in the series do not seem immortal or invincible. Despite the fact that they are skilled warriors, they tend to fear for their own lives and health.
The Gentiles
Three months after the premiere, the series "Druzhina" saw a sequel. In August, the creators released two more feature films - “Pagans” and “Prince”. This is what is considered the 1st season of the series "Druzhina".
In this part of the project, new heroes appeared - the followers of the pagan god Mora, who were ordered to find and destroy the prince. The squad is forced to confront the new enemy, and later even go to their native swamps in order to completely eliminate the danger, save the young man and find an antidote for the beauty of the local prison. Meanwhile, the pagans own their own “weapons” in the form of the most faithful servant of Marana, who herself brings sickness and plague.
"Prince"
In the final part of the “Druzhina” project, actions are transferred to the territory of Novgorod. The archbishop, who advocated the coronation of the young prince, was in the minority. Yaroslav’s captain is killed, a corrupt boyar is preparing for a coup, and the fate of the principality hangs in the balance. Season 1 of the series "Druzhina" ends with a holistic and thoughtful ending, however, the author reserved a unique opportunity to create a sequel. The release date of the series "Druzhina" (season 2) is still unknown, since the project remained in the genre of "mini", although it paid off already at the preliminary release stage.
Viewer reviews and criticism
The creator of the series Mikhail Kolpakhchiev initially positioned his project as the usual work of a fan of the history of Russia. Let the series be thought of as historical, it nevertheless remained to a certain extent “fanatical,” which affected the quality of the armament and scenery. Reviews about the series "Druzhina" are nevertheless more positive than negative. This can be explained by the charisma of the cast and the relative "freedom" of the available genre. On average, viewers' ratings are 6-7 points out of 10. According to critics, the series "Druzhina" remains a quality project.
Possible disadvantages
The original plot, high-quality play of actors, beautiful landscapes - all this allowed the project to quickly occupy a niche of a leader in the segment, after which the tape gained constant fans. Some criticism deserved the work of the editor and screenwriter. In the first case, we were talking about a somewhat slow transition of scenes and awkward camera operation. In the second, the negative was caused by additional changes in the scenario, which, however, did not fundamentally change the essence of the events. Realism is also slightly reduced in order to increase entertainment. Despite the vulnerability and mortality of the warriors, the warriors are still extremely strong and able to withstand even an overwhelmingly large number of opponents.
Comparison with other projects
On some media portals, critics said in reviews of the TV series "Druzhina" that the idea of creating was simply inspired by other works. Among the latter are "King Arthur", "300 Spartans." The creator himself noted that he had never denied that the idea was by no means new. However, the implementation of the tape looks in a slightly different vein than the “competitors” mentioned above. Reviews of the series "Druzhina" indicate that the project is excellent for the younger generation, as it has the necessary bright message about self-sacrifice and honor, and also instills love and interest in studying history.
Low quality and "cliche"?
On the other hand, a sophisticated viewer will find the series fresh and somewhat “cheap,” with an eye to budget constraints when initiating a project. However, the series has fully paid off, which cannot but speak about the quality of the tape and the large number of adherents. The series Druzhina (2015) is a project that cannot be called unique, but he still found his niche. Will there be a sequel? How many episodes in the series "Druzhina" (season 2)? The creator of the original project has not yet answered these questions. When the project returns to the screens again, it is not even known approximately, since the work on the continuation, if any, is being kept secret.
Filming locations and interesting facts
Against the backdrop of beautiful landscapes, the question involuntarily arises of where the series "Druzhina" was filmed. In fact, most of the material the team shot in the territory of St. Petersburg, while Novgorod and its landscapes were shot in Pskov. The creators tried to find the most beautiful places with untouched nature and the absence of interference from outside observers. Few people know, but the creator himself is by no means a debutant in the world of big cinema and has previously presented his brainchild, “The Cradle of the Abyss”, to the public. The filmmaker and screenwriter were selected together. In addition, the historical action movie genre came into tandem quite by accident, since the creator himself planned to shoot a peculiar short story or ballad.
Cast
Actors of the series "Druzhina" perfectly got used to the role, despite the fact that they are considered conditionally amateurs even in the world of Russian cinema. Godun’s ten’s top ten is played by
Sergei Vorobyov, who also directed some scenes. The role of the impressive Kurgan went to Mikhail Bogdanov, Anikeia to Alexander Erlikh, Vyshenya to Gennady Kazachkov, Finista to Alexei Parasevich, Busa to Andrei Pogrebinsky, Evpatia to Pavel Badyrov. All characters look harmonious. A witch doctor, for example, does not trump his wisdom, although, according to the canons of the genre, he must look like an unbearable old man. The anikey settled down, let the character according to the reviews turn out to be somewhat boilerplate.
Throughout the development of the plot, the game of actors becomes better, more coordinated. Most scenes cease to be repelled by excessive slowdown, motion blur, a clumsy frame change. The crowd is different, albeit insignificant, but with a weight in the plot, which also positively affects the pace of the story. In general, the cast of "Druzhina" earned its firm "average" for unprofessionalism and some cliche, but in the realities of current standards this assessment does not seem unnecessarily bad.
The final rating of the series "Druzhina" is positive. The project does not just have the right to life, it is original, harmonious, bright. Young viewers will like the halo of fabulousness around the new heroes, but the sophisticated may also like the originality of the idea. Reviews about the series "Druzhina" are rather mixed, but mostly laudatory. In the end, there are not so many historical action movies in modern cinema.