I have seen quite a few films about Grigori Rasputin, but Rasputin (1996), directed by Uli Edel, is my favorite.
supernatural skills
The film reveals the spiritual core of the protagonist.
For example, the film starts in Grigori’s adolescence, when he performs his supernatural skills in front of his village’s inhabitants.
Therefore this episode is significant for understanding that the protagonist has an energetic potential much higher than that of the average person.
Holy Virgin
After that, there is the phenomenon of the Virgin.
She appears to Grigori when he is a young man. The Holy Virgin’s blessing is a sign that Rasputin is a representative of the “Lights.”
sins
However, Uli does not make the protagonist seem perfect. Likewise, he also shows Rasputin’s weaknesses (sins), for instance, his excesses with alcohol and women.
healer
The most important thing is the appearance of Gregori in the tsar’s court.
The main reason for this is his gift as a healer.
Highly-educated doctors aren’t able to help the throne’s heir, but Grigori is. He heals the sick boy providing hope to the tzar’s family and country.
The healing capabilities are another feature of Lights, and therefore this is an addition to prove that Rasputin is a spiritual entity moving towards Light.
clairvoyance
Subsequently, Grigori predicts the future of the tsar’s family in two different scenarios. As a result, he writes the last letter to Tsarina Alexandra.
Therefore, it confirms Rasputin’s remarkable skills, such as clairvoyance.
life purpose
At the culmination of the movie, Uli introduces a thought-provoking episode.
In that scene, Grigori asks Heaven if he has succeeded with his life purpose.
This question is not about saving one individual, even if he was important as an heir to the monarchy, but about something greater.
darks
The ending of the movie provides an answer to this question.
The tsar’s family is executed, and Darks capture the country. Hence, Grigori failed his assignment from Lights.
Summing up, we can say that Rasputin (1996) is a thought-provoking film. With Alan Rickman‘s stunning performance as Grigory Rasputin, it is worth watching for everyone passionate about history, spirituality, and, most importantly, Russia’s fate.