The historical drama ‘Prince Andrei’ delves into the lives of some of the most prominent figures from the Rurik dynasty, a period marked by heroic deeds, intricate intrigues, and profound tragedies.
Set in 12th-century Rus’, the series follows Prince Andrei, son of Yuri Dolgoruky, upon his return from several years in Byzantium. Andrei envisions transforming the Vladimir-Suzdal Principality into a prosperous land. However, Yuri Dolgoruky sees his son merely as a compliant instrument of his own will. Determined to pursue his own vision for the future, Andrei finds himself in opposition to his father, his brothers, their allies, and the powerful boyars.
The titular Prince Andrei, also known as Bogolyubsky, is portrayed by actor Alexander Golubev. According to the creators, several actors auditioned for the lead role, but it was Alexander who successfully embodied the character’s immense willpower, bravery as a warrior, and a touch of humor and kindness.
Golubev commented on the historical ambiguity surrounding Prince Andrei: “We know very little about Prince Andrei; the era of his rule seems shrouded in mist. We aimed to dispel this mist, to show what transpired during that period, why people believed in him and followed him, and to reveal the significant impact of his actions on our state.”
The series is notable not just for its grand scope of events and intricate web of intrigues entangling its characters. Its stunning visuals are just as captivating as the historical narrative. Filming took place in locations where the prince lived and ruled, including Suzdal, Vladimir, and Bogolyubovo, with some scenes also shot at the ‘Moskino’ film cluster.
Production designer Alexander Zagoskin explained the challenges: “The difficulty lay in portraying the 12th century, the pre-Mongol period, an era for which little has been preserved. This is precisely what makes an historical project interesting: when you know that nothing has survived anywhere, and you have to create it from scratch. Only a few churches remain from the architecture; no residential buildings exist.”
The creators consulted with historians and visited museums dedicated to Ancient Rus’. The Vladimir-Suzdal Museum-Reserve made a significant contribution, approaching the figure of Prince Andrei with great reverence and doing everything possible to ensure his on-screen portrayal was authentic and respectful.
Considerable screen time is dedicated to showcasing the traditions of both Slavic and Christian cultures. The series depicts various ancient rituals of our ancestors, some familiar and others quite unknown to modern viewers.
The internecine strife in Rus’ was brutal, and the series makes no attempt to sugarcoat it. Viewers will witness overt cruelty and shocking acts of betrayal. However, these harsh realities are balanced by themes of love and friendship, explored through both the main characters, such as Prince Andrei and his wife Ulita, and the supporting cast.
The series features a star-studded cast from Russian cinema, including Aglaya Shilovskaya, Alexander Ustyugov, and Sergey Bezrukov. Particularly impressive is audience favorite Alexander Baluev, who portrays Prince Yuri Dolgoruky as a strong yet cruel and even despotic figure.
Baluev noted his approach to such roles: “I enjoy bringing such characters down from their pedestals and closer to people who are interested in our country and its heroes.”
While deeply knowledgeable historians of Rus’ might find that the series simplifies or omits certain historical events, for most viewers, it offers a captivating introduction to a vivid character from Russia’s chronicles.
