Red Army
Red Army

Red Army

2015Movie85 minEnglish

A documentary highlighting the Soviet Union's legendary and enigmatic hockey training culture and world-dominating team through the eyes of the team's Captain Slava Fetisov, following his shift from hockey star and celebrated national hero to political enemy.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Metacritic83/100
Google Users93%
Director: Gabe PolskyGenres: Documentary, Sport, History

Plot Summary

This documentary chronicles the Soviet Union's dominant ice hockey team, the Red Army, during the Cold War era. It delves into the complex relationship between the sport and the political climate, showcasing the immense talent and sacrifices of its players. The film explores how the team became a symbol of Soviet prowess on the international stage, often pitting them against their American rivals.

Critical Reception

Red Army was widely acclaimed by critics for its compelling narrative, insightful look into a fascinating period of sports and political history, and its emotional depth. Reviewers praised its ability to humanize the players within the context of a state-controlled sports machine. The film successfully balanced the thrill of the sport with the personal stories of the athletes.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its engaging storytelling and intimate portrayal of iconic athletes.
  • Commended for effectively weaving sports action with Cold War politics.
  • Applauded for its emotional resonance and the poignant personal journeys of the players.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's captivating narrative and its thorough exploration of the Soviet hockey team's legacy. Viewers appreciated the deep dive into the lives of the players and the historical context provided, making it an inspiring and informative watch.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Documentary Screenplay by the Writers Guild of America Awards.

Fun Fact

The documentary features extensive archival footage and interviews, including a poignant conversation with Vyacheslav Fetisov, who discusses the emotional toll of being separated from his family for long periods due to international play.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review