Lieutenant Kizhe Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: Lieutenant Kizhe
| Movie | Lieutenant Kizhe |
| Release Year | 1934 |
| Director | Alexandr Faintsimmer |
| Genre | Comedy / Drama / History |
| Runtime | 83 minutes (1h 23m) |
| Language | RU |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Lieutenant Kizhe (1934) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Lieutenant Kizhe are led by Mikhail Yanshin . The supporting cast, including Boris Gorin-Goryainov and Nina Shaternikova , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Lieutenant Kizhe does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Comedy films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Lieutenant Kizhe has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Lieutenant Kizhe
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1934, Lieutenant Kizhe is a Comedy, Drama, History film directed by Alexandr Faintsimmer, written by Yury Tynyanov. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Mikhail Yanshin as Tsar Pavel I.
Ending Explained: Lieutenant Kizhe
Lieutenant Kizhe Ending Explained: A copying error by a military scribe turns the Russian words "the lieutenants, however" into what looks like "lieutenant Kizhe". Directed by Alexandr Faintsimmer, this 1934 comedy film stars Mikhail Yanshin (Tsar Pavel I), alongside Boris Gorin-Goryainov as Count von Pahlen, Nina Shaternikova as Princess Gagarina, Sofiya Magarill as Princess Gagarina's companion. Rated 5.5/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of Lieutenant Kizhe?
A copying error by a military scribe turns the Russian words "the lieutenants, however" into what looks like "lieutenant Kizhe". The Tsar reads the error, and wants to meet this (non-existent) lieutenant. The courtiers, eager to avoid the wrath of the temperamental Tsar, create a Kizhe to serve as their royal scapegoat.
Alexandr Faintsimmer's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Mikhail Yanshin (Tsar Pavel I)'s journey. The Tsar reads the error, and wants to meet this (non-existent) lieutenant.
How Does Mikhail Yanshin (Tsar Pavel I)'s Story End?
- Mikhail Yanshin: Mikhail Yanshin's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Boris Gorin-Goryainov (Count von Pahlen): Boris Gorin-Goryainov's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Nina Shaternikova (Princess Gagarina): Nina Shaternikova's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
Is Lieutenant Kizhe Based on a True Story?
Yes — Lieutenant Kizhe draws from real events. The ending reflects documented outcomes, though Alexandr Faintsimmer has taken creative liberties in dramatizing specific scenes for cinematic impact.
What Does the Ending of Lieutenant Kizhe Mean?
The ending of Lieutenant Kizhe brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Mikhail Yanshin's story may not satisfy all audiences.
Lieutenant Kizhe Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Lieutenant Kizhe Based on a True Story?
Yes, Lieutenant Kizhe is inspired by documented historical events. Directed by Alexandr Faintsimmer and starring Mikhail Yanshin, this comedy, drama, history film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version of Lieutenant Kizhe
The film takes creative liberties to strengthen its narrative. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
While inspired by real events, the narrative focuses more on storytelling than strict historical accuracy.
Accuracy Assessment: Lieutenant Kizhe uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. Viewers interested in the real history may want to explore historical sources alongside the film.
Who Should Watch Lieutenant Kizhe?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
At just 83 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Lieutenant Kizhe Parents Guide & Age Rating
1934 AdvisoryWondering about Lieutenant Kizhe age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Lieutenant Kizhe (1934) is 83 minutes (1h 23m). Directed by Alexandr Faintsimmer, the film runs for 83 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.5/10, and global performance metrics, Lieutenant Kizhe is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1934 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lieutenant Kizhe worth watching?
Lieutenant Kizhe is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 5.5/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Lieutenant Kizhe parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Lieutenant Kizhe identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Lieutenant Kizhe (1934)?
The runtime of Lieutenant Kizhe (1934) is 83 minutes (approximately 1h 23m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
