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Stalin

Play trailer Poster for Stalin TV-PG 1992 2h 53m Biography Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 4 Reviews 73% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
Before Joseph Stalin (Robert Duvall) became dictator of Russia, he was an unknown revolutionary, according to his daughter, Svetlana (Joanna Roth), who narrates this biopic. Over the course of three decades, Stalin ruthlessly takes the seat of power from his comrade, a dying Vladimir Lenin (Maximilian Schell). He treats his wife (Julia Ormond) horribly and orders acts of aggression against his own citizens. Through it all, Stalin trusts no one, leading to his own eventual downfall and death.

Critics Reviews

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Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Rated: 3/5 Jun 24, 2005 Full Review Daniel M. Kimmel Worcester Telegram & Gazette Rated: 3/5 Feb 8, 2004 Full Review Dan Lybarger Nitrate Online Duvall and Ormand are terrific in this effectively unnerving depiction of the murderous dictator. Rated: 4/5 Sep 24, 2003 Full Review Philip Martin Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Rated: 3/5 Jul 30, 2002 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Zoe Z 🎬 Stalin (1992) – Movie Review The 1992 HBO film Stalin is a well-documented and compelling portrayal of one of history’s most enigmatic and ruthless figures. Directed by Ivan Passer, the film offers a chilling yet insightful look into the life and reign of Joseph Stalin, capturing both the political machinery and personal paranoia that defined his rule. One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its historical accuracy. While dramatized for cinematic effect, Stalin remains grounded in real events, offering viewers a vivid depiction of the Soviet Union’s transformation under Stalin’s iron grip. From the purges and show trials to the cult of personality and the terror of the gulags, the film doesn’t shy away from the darker chapters of his legacy. 🎭 Robert Duvall’s PerformanceRobert Duvall delivers a masterful performance as Stalin. His portrayal is nuanced, restrained, and eerily convincing. Duvall doesn’t rely on theatrics; instead, he channels Stalin’s cold calculation and emotional detachment with subtlety and precision. In my opinion, his embodiment of the Soviet dictator is near perfect—he captures both the charisma that drew people in and the menace that kept them in fear. 📜 Final ThoughtsStalin (1992) is not just a biopic—it’s a psychological study of power, control, and the cost of absolute authority. For those interested in history, politics, or character-driven drama, this film is a must-watch. It’s a haunting reminder of how one man’s vision can reshape a nation—and devastate millions in the process Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/27/25 Full Review Audience Member Quite a big project back in the early 1990s. Neat in story telling although which still stayed in the very old, conservative way. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/04/23 Full Review Audience Member bildiÄin biyografi ama stalin ingilizce konuÅuo....kapitalizme hoÅgeldiniz ders 001 Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/03/23 Full Review pasha a Good for just one time! nothing to remember after seeing this. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Fantastic biographical drama. No wonder it won awards! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/14/23 Full Review Audience Member Honest depiction, Robert Duvall makes a good Stalin Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/17/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Stalin

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Movie Info

Synopsis Before Joseph Stalin (Robert Duvall) became dictator of Russia, he was an unknown revolutionary, according to his daughter, Svetlana (Joanna Roth), who narrates this biopic. Over the course of three decades, Stalin ruthlessly takes the seat of power from his comrade, a dying Vladimir Lenin (Maximilian Schell). He treats his wife (Julia Ormond) horribly and orders acts of aggression against his own citizens. Through it all, Stalin trusts no one, leading to his own eventual downfall and death.
Director
Ivan Passer
Rating
TV-PG
Genre
Biography, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (TV)
Nov 21, 1992
Runtime
2h 53m