Saga of the Ancient Bulgars: The Ladder of Vladimir the Red Sun
Synopsis
The second part of Bulat Mansurov's planned epic film series; “The Saga of the Ancient Bulgars". The film depicts the life and reign of Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavich of Kiev, known in legends as Vladimir the Red Sun. The story begins in 972 AD, after the death of his father, Grand Prince Svyatoslav, which ignites a power struggle among Vladimir and his brothers. The film emphasizes that Russian princes only succeeded when they maintained good relations with the Bulgars and other steppe nations. It also depicts Vladimir's reflection on his rise to power upon receiving the book "The Ladder" in 1005, ten years after his conversion to Christianity.
Where to watch
Not currently available to stream in United States.
Top cast
Andrey Sukhov
Vladimir, Prince of Novgorod
Aleksandr Bespalyy
Vladimir in old age
Alexander Philipenko
Yaropolk / Svyatopolk "the Accursed"
Alsu Gaynullina
Altun-Maria
Leonid Kuravlyov
Dobrynya
Ravil Sharafi
Mamun, Emir of the Volga Bulgars
Afanasi Kochetkov
Solovushka
Donatas Banionis
Sveneld
Juozas Budraitis
Asmud
Elina Bystritskaya
Duchess Olga