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RED ARMY Send This Review to a Friend
You don’t have to be a hockey fan to enjoy “Red Army,” an incisive documentary about fabled Russian players against the background of the Cold War. The panorama of a slice of ice hockey history in the larger context makes this absorbing saga rise above the level of sports films, thereby gaining appeal for a broad audience. But there also is plenty of inside hockey info to appeal to sports fans in this entertaining work written, produced and sharply directed by Gabe Polsky.
In addition to an array of action clips “Red Army” centers primarily on impressive player Vyacheslav Fetisov, who is interviewed at length and thereby anchors the story. He is symbolic of the group of players who earned enmity in their country for leaving the Russian fold to play for American teams. Festisov makes a most interesting subject and effective guide to helping us understand the stakes involved.
We see that hockey in Russia is viewed as a powerful image of power, with victories assuming great status. A defeat in the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y. was a low point. But the Russian team went on to future Olympic triumphs.
If there is a villain in the story, it is the hard-boiled coach Viktor Tikhonov, whose players resented his tough methods. There are candid references to him and the feelings of those who played under his domination.
We meet various Russian hockey stars and can appreciate their skills, We also learn of consequences faced by those who left Russian for American teams. It is fascinating to view the film now in light of new tensions with Russia. Although I am not a hockey fan, I found “Red Army” thoroughly absorbing. A Sony Pictures Calssics release. Reviewed January 23, 2015.
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