it is far to be remarkable and far to be bad. it represents only an introduction, almost decent, to subject. not real convincing but interesting for cast. a tribute for Russia from Depardieu. and its basic unlucky is, maybe, the existence of few real good films about Rasputin, many books and documentaries. so, it could be only expression of good intentions. nothing more. and it is not enough. the bad detail is the absence of courage for director who ignores many opportunities to do an interesting story. than, the manner to create the image of hero by Depardieu who use, in comfortable way, the West clichés about subject. short, a lot pieces without links. images , a not inspired script about a delicate theme , about a dark hero who remains, in this case, unfortunately, only a shadow.