Overview
A ruthless ruler battles betrayal and ambition in his quest for a unified Russia.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- brooding
- theatrical
- oppressive
- classic cinema study
- historical film night
What critics said
Critics broadly regard Eisenstein's sequel as a visually extraordinary and highly accomplished continuation of his historical portrait, led by Nikolai Cherkasov's performance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Eisenstein uses stark compositions, exaggerated gestures, and monumental staging to portray Ivan's psychological and political authority.
Efrosinia and the boyars seek to replace Ivan with her son Vladimir, turning court politics into a succession conspiracy.
Ivan elevates Philip to metropolitan bishop, but Philip attempts to bend the tsar's rule toward the will of the church.
Ivan mockingly crowns Vladimir and sends him in royal robes toward the cathedral where an assassin is waiting.
Films like Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot, and why
Ivan the Terrible, Part I
historical biographical drama centered on an authoritarian ruler, political intrigue, and stylized period mise-en-scène
Alexander Nevsky
formally radical historical epic using expressionist imagery, political power struggles, and monumental performances
Andrei Rublev
Russian historical drama portraying dynastic conflict, court conspiracy, and oppressive state power
Movie Details
- Director
- Sergei Eisenstein
- Release Date
- 1958-10-10
- Runtime
- 82 min
- Rating
- 7.4 / 10 (180)
Cast
- Nikolai Cherkasov
- Serafima Birman
- Pavel Kadochnikov
- Mikhail Zharov
- Amvrosii Buchma
- Vsevolod Pudovkin
- Mikhail Kuznetsov
- Alexander Mgebrov
- Andrei Abrikosov
- Vladimir Balashov
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- HBO Max
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot about?
- A monumental and fiercely stylized portrait of Ivan IV confronting church authority, aristocratic conspiracy, and the violent machinery of centralized rule.
- What is Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot as moderate.
- What did critics think of Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot?
- Critics broadly regard Eisenstein's sequel as a visually extraordinary and highly accomplished continuation of his historical portrait, led by Nikolai Cherkasov's performance.
- Which films are like Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot?
- Films with a similar feel include Ivan the Terrible, Part I, Alexander Nevsky, and Andrei Rublev.
- How long is Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot?
- Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot runs 82 minutes.
- Where can I watch Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot?
- In United States, Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot streams on HBO Max.
