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Tempest

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NR
1928

Tempest, a romantic war drama film made in 1928, marked a significant chapter in Hollywood's silent era. Directed by Sam Taylor, the film starred matinée idol John Barrymore, German actress Camilla Horn, and Louis Wolheim. It was a visualization of Vicente Blasco Ibáñez's novel, adapted for the screen by C. Gardner Sullivan. The film took viewers through a riveting narrative set against the backdrop of the Russian revolution, intertwined with a passionate love story at its heart.

The film cast the legendary John Barrymore in the leading role of Ivan Markov. Barrymore, already a celebrated figure of the silent era, was known for his suave romanticism and intense expressions, fitting perfectly into the character of Ivan. His character, a humble peasant in the Tsar's army, is portrayed as courageous yet compassionate, and Barrymore brought sincerity to his performance.

Camilla Horn, playing Princess Tamara, provided the romantic angle to the plot. Horn, fresh from her successful stint in F.W. Murnau's Faust, was at the peak of her career. As Princess Tamara, she captured the essence of her character’s conflicted emotions and silent sufferings with refinement. Her role called for a range of emotions, from being the haughty royalty to a woman in distress, and Horn portrayed these variations admirably.

Rounding off the main cast was Louis Wolheim, who played the character of Sgt. Bulba. Wolheim, a recognized character actor known for roles in films like All Quiet on the Western Front, brought depth to his character. Bulba was crafted as a coarse and low-ranking soldier whose loyalty, ruthlessness, and strategic mind lead to a rapid rise in his position, with Wolheim demonstrating his expertise in delivering a convincing performance of such a complex character.

The plot of Tempest revolves around Ivan's life as a commoner in the royal army, contrasting his humble origins with the aristocratic world he is thrown into due to his excellent skills as a soldier. His valor and skills catch the Tsar's eye, leading to his unexpected elevation to the rank of officer. Amidst the turbulence of war and revolution, a love story unfolds between Ivan and the beautiful Princess Tamara, leading to a cascade of events that tests their love, loyalty, and survival.

Set against the backdrop of pre-revolution Russia in 1914, the film offers an authentic portrayal of the exotic grandeur of the nation's aristocracy, in contrast with the destitute lives of commoners, and the tumultuous transition brought about by the revolution. The grand sets, the detailed costumes, the lavish ballroom sequences, and the verisimilitude of the war scenes serve as a testimony to the high production values of the period.

Not just a visual treat, Tempest stands out for its innovative plot development for its time. It seamlessly weaves the private lives of its characters with the larger socio-political landscape, creating a complex narrative. The depictions of class discrimination, the impacts of war, and the personal ambitions of individuals during a revolution make for compelling viewing.

The film's screenplay is remarkable for its time, displaying an understanding of the complex socio-political situations brewing within the nation and its impact on the lives of the characters. The transformation of characters such as Ivan and Bulba, shaped by the changing scenarios, and the intense romantic saga between Ivan and Tamara narrate a gripping tale of love, ambition, and survival.

The film is also memorable for its use of special effects, such as miniatures to recreate grand scenes of revolution and its aftermath, and vivid battle sequences. Cinematographers Charles Rosher and John F. Seitz brought in their collective expertise to create a visually elegant canvas.

Although a silent film, Tempest was poignant in its storytelling and evocative in its performances. It leveraged the emotive power of silence with the interpretive skills of its performers and the artistry of its visual component. Composer Louis Silvers' score provided the right background notes to the film's dramatic progression, amplifying the emotional highs and lows of the characters and their surroundings.

Through its strong performances, solid direction, and a compelling narrative that blended romance with war drama, Tempest stood as a testament to the craftsmanship of Hollywood's silent era.

Tempest is a Drama, Romance movie released in 1928. It has a runtime of 111 min. Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 6.7..

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Where can I stream Tempest movie online? Tempest is available to watch and stream at Tubi TV.

6.7/10
Director
Sam Taylor, Lewis Milestone, Victor Tourjansky
Stars
John Barrymore, Camilla Horn, George Fawcett, Louis Wolheim