Customer Reviews

Siege of Empires [DVD]

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Originally called `Defenders of Riga', which is a much more accurate title, this film from Latvia supposedly tells the story of Riga's defence against the West Russian Volunteer Army that took place in late 1919. It is wrapped up in a love affair between Martin and Elze. He has been off fighting for the Russians in World War 1 and she has faithfully waited for him whilst fighting off the attentions of a certain German. On his return Latvia has declared independence after the armistice was signed and actually Great Britain acknowledged this on the same day. In the film it is posited that none of the Allies had recognised the new state, but in fact the rest did not do so (nor Britain in a formal way) until 1921.

Anyway the Germans that were still in Latvia had been absorbed into the so called West Russian Volunteer Army and started their march eastward and after capturing the left bank of Riga the Latvian free army started a spirited resistance. This is the story the film is telling. But they want it to be felt that it was a plot by the German Iron Division alone which is not how it really was and in actual fact the newly liberated state of Estonia gave them a much needed hand along with the Royal Navy which countered some of the armaments' that the Latvians had to face.

So is it a good film, well nearly, there is some solid performances, the CGI is actually really good and the weapons and uniforms are quite authentic, we have some character development, but the Germans are all cut out nasty types with no saving graces what so ever. It is strange to think that Latvia's own language was German until the Russians imposed Russian in the late 1890's That is also a good thing we do get a lot of foreign languages, Russian French, German and a spot of English, which is a touch I always appreciate. The direction is a bit hap hazard and scenes seem to start without warning in places. But the narrative does flow and it is not overly nationalistic but it does play the patriotism card unashamedly and this is the most expensive Latvian film ever, though to my shame I do not know that many except a previous film from director Aigars Grauba made in 2000 called `Baiga vasara' or `Dangerous Summer' set in WW2.

If you buy this film,you'll watch it on fast forward and then bin it.The worst of the Russian war films(o.k.technically it's Latvian).Worse than the ancient Red & White.No action of any significance for the first hour and 26 minutes,just boring character building about incredibly dull people,with a not very romantic sub-plot,(Badly acted).One of the actors even swears(M**herF*****)in the subtitles.This is supposed to be LATVIA 1919.When the action does start,it's so badly done you won't care who wins,with very poor c.g.i. and special effects shot mainly from a long distance.There is also one of those tedious fisticuffs scenes that drag on forever(extremely unconvincing)in the middle of the main battle.I could go on.

First of all, this is originally known as Defenders of Riga. Not sure why the change in title. No matter, it doesn't affect its "quality" in any way.

Let's start with basics. Direction is horrible, scenes predictable and poorly shot. Acting is... Well, there's hardly any acting, honestly. German characters probably never even heard of the language. The story revolves around Martin and Elza. The twist there is absolutely ridiculous. No spoilers, not to worry, you'll have to witness that yourselves.

Probably the worst aspect of the movie is its score. It was probably done by a basic student of music and realized in a one-man-band manner. With cheapest possible instruments, of course. It also has nothing to do with the scenes and plot. Not sure about other releases, but this one actually has a big black frame surrounding the picture, making the screen smaller by at least a third. What's the point in that? Would it be more pricy if the screen was full?? The picture quality is somewhat terrible, not something we'd expect from a fresh DVD.

Once again, I tricked myself into buying a horrible effort. I'd heard of this one before, but was never able to get my hands on a copy to purchase. Now it finally happened, and I'm terribly sorry it did. This one's going straight to the bin, don't want to infect my collection, see.

I think you ought to be familiar with some Latvian history to appreciate this film about a group of friends in the country's war of independence. An independence that did not come easy. It was a confusing time, and the film reflects this confusion. It is not a slap-bang action adventure, the story developes slowly. In 1919, after a Latvian government has been set up, a combined German-Tsarist Russian force tries to capture Riga and crush the new-born state. The victorious Allies just sit on the fence and watch, doing nothing to help the Latvians. After a fierce battle which comes towards the end of the film, the freedom fighters win a costly victory - and finally get the support of the Allies.

It is not always easy to relate to unfamiliar faces speaking an unfamiliar language, but in my opinion the acting is fine and the c.g.i. well done. An unusual film about a small country few of us known much about, but it is the most expensive ever film made there and was enormously popular upon its release. Sadly, Latvia's first independence was short-lived and the country still carries the scars of 50 years of Soviet occupation. This may well count for at least part of the film's popularity, independence is enormously important for those who have suffered life without it! Incidentally, its original title 'Defenders of Riga' is much more descriptive than the rather silly 'Siege of Empires'. Admittedly I had to watch the film a couple of times to really get to grips with the story, to actually get into it rather than waiting for action happen. But it was worth it. So all in all; not a film for the impatient, but a rewarding one for those with an open mind and a keen interest in European history.

This film treats a historical episode largely unknown outside of the the Baltic region, namely the Latvia's unlikely, successful, but short-lived 1919 bid for independence from a rogue German field army and Bolshevik forces in the confused aftermath of WWI. The first half of the film is challenging without a fair grasp of early 20th century Eastern European history, since the film was obviously written by Latvians for Latvians who would have a general knowledge of these events and what led to them. The second half of the film is much easier to follow and include mostly convincing action sequences, seasoned by the ubiquitous war film cliches one would expect of a national epic. I recommend this film to history buffs anxious to explore uncharted territory and learn a bit about how modern Lavia views its first taste of modern independence in 1919.

It is always nice to see other peoples history portrayed in film I fear that lots of film never get shown in English speaking countries because people do not think viewers can watch and read at the same time so gems like this film splip out without the access they deserve.