10 best modern mini-series adaptations of Russian classics

There is an opinion that the classics have long been outdated. Today’s youth have completely different life goals and values, so it is high time to replace the works of Pushkin and Dostoevsky with other authors.

That’s just many works of modern literature are forgotten in a year or two, but the classics are not. This is the best that has been created by mankind, so these books are still popular with readers.

Several decades ago, people had the opportunity not only to read classical works, but also to see them on TV screens. Film adaptations of the classics occupy a special place in Russian cinema. They were filmed in the Soviet Union, they are filming now. Below is a rating of the best modern mini-series adaptations of Russian classics.

10 The Master and Margarita, Vladimir Bortko | 2005

When Vladimir Bortko announced his decision to make a TV series based on Bulgakov’s The Master and Margarita, fans of the writer’s work began to look forward to the premiere.

There have been many failed film adaptations in the past, none of which have been successful. Vladimir Bortko managed to do the impossible.

According to the plot, Satan arrives in Moscow with his retinue. They are interested in a new society, which is built without the influence of religion, Satan needs new people.

The series “The Master and Margarita” was named the event of the year. By the way, the director tried to ensure that what is happening on the screen strictly corresponds to the content of the novel. There are no speculations of scriptwriters or additions from the creators. Probably, thanks to this, “The Master and Margarita” was so fond of viewers.

9. “The Brothers Karamazov”, Yuri Moroz | 2008

The director tried to reproduce Dostoevsky’s great novel on the screen. The action takes place in a small county town. The plot is based on the story of the Karamazov family.

The relationship between Fedor and his sons is quite complicated. Each of them looks at what is happening from their point of view. Each character is Dostoevsky’s reflection on morality, freedom, and religion.

Were the creators of the series able to fit this brilliant work into a limited runtime? Each viewer has his own opinion on this matter, but the film adaptation can rightly be called a qualitative reflection of the original.

8. “White Guard”, Sergei Snezhkin | 2012

Screen adaptation of the novel by Mikhail Bulgakov. Civil war, the Turbin family finds itself in the thick of political and military events. The personal dramas of the heroes are intertwined with the tragedy taking place in the country.

Many fans of Bulgakov’s work were disappointed with the adaptation of Snezhkin. They accused the creators of some inconsistency with the literary source, as well as inventing additional characters.

However, do not forget that the series is based on the novel. It is quite difficult to film a classic work, but the director managed to recreate that atmosphere, the feeling of loss of the main characters, their spiritual throwing. Of course, this is not quite Bulgakov’s vision of events, yet the series does not get any worse from this.

7. “A Hero of Our Time”, Alexander Kott | 2006

Screen adaptation of Lermontov’s work. The plot is based on the story of a young officer Grigory Pechorin. He is sent into exile in the Caucasus. There he becomes a participant in various events.

This series did not cause much excitement among the public. Perhaps the reason was the lack of a major advertising campaign. Again, lovers of the classics talked a lot about the discrepancy.

“A Hero of Our Time” is a good film adaptation. The images of the main characters and the character of Pechorin are fully revealed. The picture will also please with excellent musical accompaniment and magnificent landscapes.

6. “Demons”, Vladimir Khotinenko | 2014

Screen adaptation of Dostoevsky’s work, and far from the only one. In addition to the Khotinenko series, there are several more adaptations.

Investigator Goremykin is sent to a provincial town to investigate crimes. There is a series of murders going on here. As a result of the investigation, the investigator finds out that the killers are members of the revolutionary movement.

Not all the events taking place in the film correspond to Dostoevsky’s work, but the creators were able to convey its atmosphere very accurately. The series is worth watching, if only because of the excellent cast, the actors managed to reveal the images of the main characters.

The only thing that raises the question is the ending of the series. Apparently, the director Khotinenko sees it this way, and this is his right.

5. Quiet Flows the Don, Sergei Ursulyak | 2015

Screen version of Sholokhov’s novel. 1912, village. Cossacks have been living on this land for a long time. They are so accustomed to a quiet life that the revolution takes them by surprise. The Cossacks do not know how to live on. A war begins between people who yesterday were brothers, fathers, friends.

Against the background of these events, the personal drama of the Cossack Grigory Melekhov is shown. He cannot understand who is right: the reds or the whites?

The series was a success. The creators were able to convey those terrible events that took place in the country in such a way that the viewer forgets about everything, feels like a participant in what is happening.

He sympathizes with the main characters, experiences their emotions. Viewers who have not read the novel admit that after watching the series, there is a desire to read it.

4. “Doctor Zhivago”, Alexander Proshkin | 2005

Screen adaptation of Pasternak’s novel. The beginning of the last century. In this difficult time, Yuri Zhivago, the little boy is left alone. The father left the family, the mother died. He grows up, gets an education. The Civil War begins, a terrible time. Ahead of World War II.

And again, only those who will not look for the complete resemblance to a literary work will enjoy watching the series.

The screenplay is commendable. The theme of the tragic fate of a person under the influence of the era, the political events of hostilities is fully disclosed.

Critics call the series a “standalone work of fiction”. Indeed, the viewer gets a unique opportunity to see the history of their country, albeit on the example of one person.

3. “Idiot”, Vladimir Bortko | 2008

The series is based on the novel by Dostoevsky. History of Prince Lev Myshkin. He spent some time in Switzerland, where he was treated for mental illness.

The prince arrives in St. Petersburg and stays with his relative. Soon Lev Myshkin meets her family, he becomes a participant in all the passions and intrigues that take place in their lives.

The series is called the best work of Vladimir Bortko. He received many awards and the love of millions of viewers. The plot of the series completely coincides with the plot of the novel.

Most of the replicas and dialogues are preserved in their original form. The director did not alter anything and add “on his own”. Due to this, the series only won. It is impossible not to note the magnificent play of the actors, they perfectly coped with their roles.

2. “Fathers and Sons”, Avdotya Smirnova | 2008

Screen version of Turgenev’s novel of the same name. Arkady Kirsanov and Evgeny Bazarov are friends. They often argue, because in many ways their views do not coincide.

Kirsanov believes that adults are more experienced, so he listens to his father’s opinion. His friend, on the contrary, thinks that life has changed, and you should not pay attention to the words of the old people. But perhaps life will make him think differently.

Good screening. The theme of the novel is revealed, there are no discrepancies with the text. Also worth noting is the excellent acting, beautiful costumes and scenery.

1. “Crime and Punishment”, Dmitry Svetozarov | 2007

Another adaptation of Dostoevsky. The plot is fully consistent with the events taking place in the novel. A young student commits a murder. His victims are an old pawnbroker and her sister.

He steals valuable things, but he cannot use them. He is constantly tormented by the question: did he have the right to do this? Rodion cannot cope with psychological oppression, because he constantly thinks about this murder. Raskolnikov soon confesses that he committed the crime.

The creators of the series managed to convey the atmosphere of hopeless St. Petersburg, to show the emotional throwing of the main characters. The viewer will definitely enjoy watching it, and even Dostoevsky lovers will be delighted.