Review by Greta Varts
Based on the 1895 history novel “Duke Gabriel and the last days of the Pirita Convent“ by Eduard Bornhöhe, “Viimne reliikvia” or “The Last Relic” is a historical adventure film from 1969. Digitally restored in 2000, this remains one of the most viewed and loved Estonian films of all times.
Directed by Grigori Kromanov and Kalju Komissarov, this entertaining and gripping film is one of the first and one of few commercial films of Estonian film history. It was even mockingly called an ‘estern’ at the time of its making, the attempt to create something similar to the popular genre of ‘western’ in Hollywood. The script, which was adapted from the novel by Arvo Valton, sets the story in the middle of 16th century. A nobleman Hans von Risbieter (Raivo Trass) has an important relic in his hands (the remains of St. Bridget) that the convent of St.Bridget would like to get into their hands. Finding a potential bride from the convent, Agnes von Mönnikhusen (Ingrīda Andriņa), the Abbess (Elza Radziņa) and her loyal sidekick Brother Johannes (Rolan Bõkov) see an opportunity for a trade – a bride for the relic. The wedding is already on the way, but peasant revolts break out and the wedding is interrupted by a violent storm of the convent, as a result of which, Agnes is kidnapped by a free man called Gabriel (Aleksandr Goloborodko). The two then escape and fall in love, trying to flee and fight all the people who are after them – the bride’s family, the legendary peasant warrior Ivo von Schenkenberg (Peeter Jakobi) and the convent. All of the horse riding, sword fighting, burning buildings, humor and romance has a happy ending.
A believable and exciting epic
Shot by Jüri Garšnek as the main cinematographer, the film depicts many of Estonia’s beautiful historical sites and nature – the Tallinn Old Town, South-Estonian natural reserves, Kuressaare castle, St.Nicholas church etc. Some scenes were also shot in Latvia. In general, the film was a joint effort with many actors from other USSR backgrounds. The original film was thus shot in Russian and Estonian dialogue, but then later dubbed by Estonian actors and the sound master mix remains Estonian. As it premiered in a lot of other countries in the beginning of 1970.s there are copies available with other language dubbing as well. Released by studio Tallinnfilm (producer Raimund Felt), the film was second most viewed film in the USSR after its premier. To this day, it remains primarily a classic for Estonians, but has a wider audience as well. The secret to its success lies in the fact that this is an over-all decently made epic with no excess words, witty dialogue, interestingly peculiar characters and cinematic actors. It is shot in a believable and yet exciting way with credible action scenes, coherent historic styling and good enough special effects for its time .
Why Estonians love it so much
As for its Estonian status, the film entered the general consciousness very soon after its release. There are famous sayings such as ‘Oled sa tont või inimene’ (Are you a ghost or a person) or ‘Mitu korda ma pean ühte ja sama meest tapma’ (How many times do I have to slay the same man) that everyone knows. Also, the musical score with songs by Tõnu and Uno Naissoo have become classics. In the song lyrics one can find a nationalistic message with songs such as ‘Põgene, vaba laps’ (Run, free child) or ‘Pistoda laul’ (The song of the dagger) which talks about slavery and the fight for freedom. The latter is a very important aspect of Estonian history, something that to this day is the central element to Estonian view towards its own history. For this film, during the 1970.s, a time of heavy Soviet censorship, to be able to express these thoughts, is of course down to choosing to set it in history, way down on the timeline of history. Also, at that time, the common enslaver and enemy was the same for Estonians and Russians alike – the German nobility and church.
“Viimne Reliikvia” (The Last Relic), dir. Grigori Kromanov, Kalju Komissarov, 1969.
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