Original subtitles

1808. HICKS COLLEGE

Guys, listen up!

His Majesty the Emperor!

Your Imperial Majesty! The best students of our college stand before you.

Only one can be the best.

All good, Your Majesty!

Your Majesty! I am the best in arithmetic, rhetoric and Latin.

Is that just you or someone else?

This is the truth.

Voltaire said: the equality of all before the law is liberty.

- Do you agree with that? - No, Sire!

Freedom is an opportunity, to follow our own path.

I'll allow you to continue with your thought. Before you follow your own path.

It would be good if you got to know him.

- The freedom you speak of is very rare. - Yes.

The ancients said: the nation that gives birth to even one free man is a great nation.

Are we French a great people?

Yes. But, I am Russian.

Sergey Muravyev-Apostol, son of the Russian ambassador.

I wish I had a son like him.

St Petersburg 1826

Muravyev-Apostol Sergey Ivanovich, 29 years old.

I remember you from the Semyonovsky Regiment.

Noble. Raised in a college in Paris. Single.

Christian religion according to the Greek rite.

Has not taken communion since 1821. Why?

Were you afraid they would talk about your plans?

He had no regrets.

- And now? - Not even now.

So, does that mean I have to let you go?

So you have committed no crime?

- I do not understand you. - You can easily understand us.

- You are like us. - No.

Between the legitimate power and the impostors, who call themselves

- as saviours of the Fatherland! - There is no difference.

- Explain! - Your goal and our goal is right.

But, the methods are punishable.

18 MARCH 1814.

The Russian army's capture of Paris of the city of Paris

- Seryozha! - Hurry, the Emperor will be there! - How? The emperor?

The Emperor will be there!

Thank you, miss!

Line up! More lively!

- Maybe the emperor will drink with us today! - That's impossible!

- We have defeated Napoleon. Now, anything is possible, Prince! The Emperor!

Fall in!

- Thanks for your service! - Hooray! Cheers! Cheers!

- Proud to serve in the same regiment! - Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!

Do you order the arrest, Your Majesty?

Leave it! Victory!

ST. PETERSBURG, 1820.

- I don't believe you, it can't be true! - Because it is the absolute truth!

I almost got kicked out of the guards. It is strictly forbidden to run to the emperor with champagne.

The Winter Palace guard had orders to fire, if he saw me with a bottle.

Anna. Don't disturb the play!

Mum! There's the stage!

There is a stage everywhere.

COUNT MILORADOVIC GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF ST. PETERSBURG

- How did he escape? - Madness! The notoriously frivolous Parisian air has escaped.

But,the northerly winds at home cooled me down.

So was he crazy or sincere?

I was happy. Honesty is crazy.

Napoleon actually said, that he wanted a son like you?

I would not have wanted a father like him.

He wanted the whole world.

I want more.

I love you.

How bouncy! Actually, they say...

Sir! You must go to your regiment immediately!

I'm sorry, but I have to leave you here.

KAZARMI, SEMYONOVSKY GUARD REGIMENT

- Stop! Stop! - Stop! Stop! - Stop, I said!

- What? - The regiment has revolted. - What?

The soldiers want to kill Svarco.

The officers have been driven away. They won't let anyone in until they stab Svarco.

MIHAIL BESSTUZSEV-RYUMICH FLAG OFFICER OF THE SEMYONSKY REGIMENT

I tried to reach an agreement with them, but it is impossible.

Gentlemen! We have called the cavalry. They will restore order.

- We are the guard, we are order! - Is that so? Your soldiers are rebelling

behind that wall! They are waiting for the mounted guards!

Sergey, where are you going? Sergei Ivanovich!

Come out!

Come out!

Bestuzhev, the veranda!

Stop! Get away! Get away!

Stop! Everybody stop, I said! Let me go!

Stop it! Stop it! Stop it, I said! Stop it! Stop it!

What are you up to? This is a riot! What do you want?

We want to slaughter Svarco.

We are carving a knight of St George.

Stop it! Stop it, I said!

You! You're all soldiers of the guard. And not drunk men!

- Silence, noble sir! - Stop, I said! You are before your officer!

- Is that the truth, Boychenko? - I didn't have time to pick up after the big thing

my pants. I've been in the service for 15 years. I beat Bonaparte!

Here's what I got for it!

- Silence! Silence! - No! No!

The Emperor is keeping our regiment in check. He will know everything,

what happens here.

How to go through town to the spa, without an officer? Do you understand?

So, form up in hundreds and head for the fort! Let the whole city see!

Let the whole garrison see! Let the Emperor himself know!

You will get yourselves in court though, but you will not take the life of the Commander.

Perhaps you could lead us then, Your Grace!

No, children! No. From yourselves. Anyway... I deserve a medal for that,

because you were rebels?

- Your Grace, Count Miloradovic! - Your Excellency! - He identified the

- the masterminds of the conspiracy? - It was not a mutiny, but a misunderstanding.

The soldiers voluntarily confessed and went into the trenches. Officer,

who calmed them down, confirmed the presence of the emperor.

GRAND DUKE NIKOLAI PAVLOVICH

Report to His Majesty, that, thank God, all is well!

ALEKSEY ORLOV COMMANDER OF THE CAVALRY GUARD

This is for the Sovereign to decide. Whether something happened or not.

Russia defeated Napoleon and some for a few decades.

Major changes are expected within the country, which Tsar Alexander wanted.

Adoption of the Constitution, liberation of serfs, 25 years of military service

abolition, judicial reform. Dozens of companies were formed with the aim of

to transform Russia. Many of them were secret. In St Petersburg, guards officers

formed this company. They were called

THE ASSOCIATION OF RESCUERS

There you go! Wait, Mr Pestel!

And now... Who knows with one hand behind his back

- catch this glass? - If I were you

SERGEI TRUBECKOJ CAPTAIN OF THE SEMYONOVSKY REGIMENT

- I would not have stood up for Svarc. - Kondratij Fjodorovich, please!

- I pass. Svarc is a notorious commander, but he's human. I don't understand you.

- Why is the wine not spilling? - Magic. Witchcraft.

If the soldiers of our regiment kill the commander,

they could have been thinking of the Emperor. Something had to be done.

PAVEL PESZTEL, AIDE-DE-CAMP TO THE COMMANDER OF THE 2ND ARMY

Perhaps the wine should be poured into the saucer, although... it's not appropriate.

- Cold, Mr Pestel. Cold. - But now, thanks to your courage, all is well.

You can continue to travel with peace of mind Europe and parades.

- What? No more hunters? - Maybe that's a good thing. What, you weren't?

- I'd better check. Gentlemen! - I'm letting go of my hands.

You are a magician.

Hold it, hold it, hold it!

- That's nice! Bravo! - Seryozha!

- Did you really know? How did I show you? - I showed you this. You forgot.

Mr. Rilejev, can I have this saucer?

CONDARTY RILEYEV POET, JOURNALIST

Yes, of course! But, why you, Pavel Ivanovich?

For me... That's why.

- Are you interested in imperial porcelain, Pavel Ivanovich? - A bygone era!

In fact, if suddenly the soldiers of our regiment, or anyone else,

open the armouries, and something starts, gentlemen... Sort of,

- that the European revolutions will seem like a Christmas celebration.

On the contrary, it will be like France. I think it's better than the American

- In France, the aristocrats were hanging on lampposts.

If it's like France here, then everyone will be hanging.

- Well, prince! - That's why in Russia the aristocrats have to pay

- must make a revolution with blood. - But still a revolution?

- Mr Rileyev! A military revolution. - You were in the south in Yakobs, Pavel Ivanovich.

- Unite to save Russia? - And now what?

- Do you want a revolution? - This is how to save it!

Cut off the head with one blow and take power.

Good luck!

Gentlemen, the League of Saviours!

Yes.

Alexander I, sole ruler and emperor of all the Russians,

and so on, and so on, and so on...

Colonel Fyodor Yefimovich Svarc,

for his inability to control his regiment,

sentenced to death. For perjury and breaking military regulations.

The Semyonovsky Guard Regiment is disbanded. All officers

shall be dismissed. The Malorossians will continue to serve in the 1st and 2nd Army,

without leave of absence or right of retreat. Captain Trubeckij

will remain with the Guards and be sent to the General Staff.

Because he was not with the regiment at the time of the crime.

In view of Colonel Svarc's previous record of impeccable service,

commutes the death penalty to termination without pay.

His Majesty, Emperor of All the Russias has affixed his signature.

- Fyodor Yefimovich! - Help me!

Gentlemen! Fyodor Yefimovich!

Your Excellency! Mikhail Andreyevich! The punishment is excessive.

The soldiers regret it. Talk to the Emperor.

- Forgive me, Sergei Ivanovich. - The Emperor is serving in your regiment.

How can he trust you now?

- There is no excuse for lawlessness. - Under what law were you punished?

The highest will is the law.

Accept your fate with honour.

FIVE YEARS LATER

FIVE YEARS LATER the Society was divided into a northern and a southern part

UKRAINE, KIEV GOVERNORATE 1825.

The country is large, the people are dark. It must be broken.

Or we will be broken. Always and always a

COLONEL ARTAMON MURAVYOV, COMMANDER OF THE AHTIRSKY HUSSARS

COLONEL ARTAMON MURAVYOV, COMMANDER OF THE AHTIRSKY HUSSARS

Must and can be applied here. There is enough force.

ARKADY YOUR MONKEY, CAPTAIN OF THE BYATSKY REGIMENT

Members of our company from St. Petersburg believe that

will be ready to start in a year and a half. But we are starting now.

And it will be easier for them to decide if they respond to us.

Throughout his reign, His Majesty has not missed not a single show.

He will not miss this one either.

He'll have everyone in the lead group with him, and one of the grand dukes.

Why this manoeuvre?

Lt Col Gebel, with your Chernyigov unit.

Attack!

Lieutenant Colonel Muravyov!

- Gotta go! I beg you, go! - Please, follow me!

Get back! Colonel, stop the soldiers! Get back! Get back!

- Please! Please! - Gentlemen! You are under arrest!

Colonel, is this a coup?

No, sir! This is a revolution.

Who is he?

If the emperor lives, millions of nobles, soldiers,

and the mob will want to protect him. And then we cannot win.

The ruler's murderer must be destroyed immediately.

He will know this, and is prepared to sacrifice himself for our cause.

We will arrest the escort because they allowed it, to kill the emperor.

Then the units loyal to us will leave to the capital.

Our followers will stay with us.

- But, your plan has a flaw? - What is it?

- How much do you have to kill on the way to freedom? - As much as it takes.

And you?

Afraid of contaminating yourself. Well, I'll do it without you.

Our Chernyigovia, the hussars of Ahpirsky and the Poltavans?

- Your will. - No I don't understand, what more do you want?

Naivety or pride. Do you want to win or to be a hero?

I want to defeat the hero.

We disagree. We wait for the order. The years go by, I have 3 children.

I'm a colonel and that's it. You'll make me sick with hope.

- Is Muravyov still waiting for the signal from the capital? - Yes.

It looks like Trubeckoj is starting things off,

UKRAINE, TULCIN HEADQUARTERS OF THE 2ND ARMY

- the Emperor is safe to live. - The family has known Muravyov for years.

- Let's start without him, he'll join us. - So will Trubeckoj.

- He fears being seen as a traitor. What do I think? Look at him.

The road to Petrograd is open. Our 2nd Army is supplied. But how?

Drought. Feed and food prices are very high.

ALEXEI YUSEVSKY, CHIEF QUARTERMASTER OF THE SECOND ARMY

But, here in Malorossiya, everything is in surplus. I only suggest,

because, we can save on government money. Let's shop here!

We'll set up a warehouse here, away from the border. Close to the capital.

- Along the Rzhev road. You're a wizard. - Just the army's treasurer.

So I'm asking you. Stop the deficit in your regiment, please.

Inspections are underway. Foolishness, to have our plans derailed by a small matter.

- Your Excellency! - Sit down, Mr. Majborod.

Your debt, Captain! All deadlines have expired.

- At your command! - What else can I do, right?

Write! And until then... write a receipt!

Here you go!

What receipt?

That, for your own needs he withdrew from the officer's treasury 6400 rubles.

- I did not take it. - I took it.

To cover up your embezzlement.

Then you write.

What?

Of course, treasury money. But I've done several good things for our cause.

It's like... Payment for risk.

To avoid trouble. We could figure something out.

- Be calm. We'll think about it. - Pavel Ivanovich! It's not that kind of money,

to argue.

Where are you arguing with me?

I give it to you, Pavel Ivanovich! Honestly, I swear!

- Now I have nothing. - Write a receipt, Captain.

I'll give it to you.

Odaadom. I give, don't worry!

Thank you very much!

The conspirators listed are serving in Malorossiya, in the 1st and 2nd armies.

CARSKOY SELO

Will you order the cancellation of the highest show?

EMPEROR SANDER I

IVAN GYIBICS FIELD MARSHAL, CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF

Or are you postponing the investigation?

Why are you investigating?

Understandable,

Because, Captain Majborod Infantry has described the truth.

Mr. Pestel and his comrades wish for the good of the country.

Constitution, elected parliament, the will of the breadwinners.

- I want that myself. - They plan to throw you into captivity first.

Or even kill you.

Sire!

I'll think of something.

Hold your horses.

What about the Emperor?

No heartburn from the pork bacon.

- Your Excellency, you did not do well in the interview. - What's the matter with you?

Go to Kiev!

Yes!

Come on!

GENERAL ALEXEI CHERBATOV, COMMANDER OF THE 4TH INFANTRY CORPS

Allow me to introduce you: Colonel Amfelta.

He was sent to us from Petersburg,

the Minister of War, by special order of General Gyibics.

Gentlemen! They have been preparing for almost a year. I know. However,

His Imperial Majesty the Emperor has cancelled the highest presentation.

That's all I wanted to say.

I think,

you will understand why I first broke the news to you.

I'm not Amfelt, I'll tell you that straight away.

By Russian law, they thought,

that means quartering.

Get back to your positions!

History happens in St Petersburg. This is where he dies.

Get him here!

I have been in power for 25 years. The Swiss cantons are not going.

Everybody wants freedom.

But, no one wants to pay for it.

Remember this!

Here is my will.

You shall be Emperor after me.

Continue what I started.

And do what I couldn't.

Why me? And not Konstantin? By law, the elder brother is heir to the throne.

My will is the law.

But, Konstantin...

But, Konstantin doubts it.

They don't like me. The guard is Konstantin's.

The guard belongs to the Emperor.

But, it's not happening tomorrow. We'll be ready.

My wife is ill. I'm going to Taganrog.

The doctors recommend the climate there. I will return as God permits.

I will announce my decision in the Senate.

The capital, despite my love for it, it is contrived and tense.

But here, it really is easier. People live in harmony with nature.

I found bliss in this simple life and in this company.

What else could you do, brother? You were sent here.

You are playing Rousseau. But you're really a fox from Esopus.

Petersburg is so bad for you it's unbearable. Counting the days

- until departure. - Your Excellency!

A note was left on the doorstep.

Uncle, give it to me!

What is it?

It says here:

Crazy people change the world.

Unfortunately, this is becoming more and more I become more and more convinced.

VASZILKOV KIEV GOVERNORATE

First squad! Right turn!

Halt march!

Alt!

- Officers! - Attention!

COLONEL GUSTAV GEBEL, COMMANDER OF THE CHERNYIGOVSKY REGIMENT

Lieutenant, leave us!

Sergei Ivanovich, get yourself sorted out!

- Carry on! - We will continue!

Let's go, Sergei Ivanovich!

Well please, you can see. A former major, now a private in the Baranov battalion.

He disobeyed orders when you were in Kiev.

The drunk got drunk. Better ask him why he's wearing a seat belt

his mouth.

I ordered it.

He had a lot to say. I listened, and so did others.

- What can you say with your mouth closed? - He said he'd get his rank back soon.

That, all will be fair. As if you promised him,

Sergei Ivanovich. Behold! He even said that his service would be reduced.

We will live by the Constitution. He threatened me with many things. A lot.

What change do you need? You're a senator's son. You're rich.

Service is done by men on the ground. What would you change?

Ha, they don't change anything, what you have now may be lost.

Who will lose me?

You? Baranov?

Try it, Sergei Ivanovich!

STANBUL NOVEMBER 1825

DIMITRY SCSEPIN-ROSTOVSKY MOSCOW REGIMENT, CAPTAIN OF THE GENERAL STAFF

"Fate has already condemned me, where, tell me,

when he was without a victim

Redeemed freedom? I am dying for my homeland,

I feel it, I know it. And joyful holy father,

I dream my own destiny."

LIEUTENANT YEVGENY OBOLENSKY, ASSISTANT OFFICER OF THE GUARDS CORPS

Thank you very much, Gentlemen! Let's drink to that! Sir!

Sergey Petrovich!

Prince!

Tell Trubeckoj, if he doesn't, we'll go out on our own.

PYOTR KAHOVSKY RETIRED LIEUTENANT

MIHAIL BESSTUTSEV MOSCOW REGIMENT, CAPTAIN OF THE GENERAL STAFF

- Tell him we're ready! - We'll kill him! - I'll leave him... Wonderful words!

Speak only to be revealed: we do nothing.

You have to be prudent. Your job now is to hide.

Or the Southern Society could disband.

- What do you think, Kondratij Fjodorovics? - Personally, I don't believe Pavel

- Ivanovich. For a long time I don't. - Kondratij Fyodorovich!

- You should know that we don't throw a few words around. - Have mercy, P. Ivanovich!

Have mercy! Don't think anything of the sort!

I completely understand that you are not lying. And you can't lie.

You just missed the most important point. If we're not talking about

Petersburg is not prepared, then we will fail.

It must be a loss. it's that kind of thing. But here you are, Pavel Ivanovich!

We, Sergei Petrovich, are matches. That lights everything and burns by itself.

- Is that right? - I'm mostly offended by your words.

Shame on anyone who thinks so.

It is an honour for me.

I disagree. If everything is out in the open, why is no one being arrested?

Prince! Colonel Pestel was trying to scare us.

Looks like the guard will have something to say soon. Preparations must be made

accelerate. There will be changes.

I have connections to people close to the throne.

I can get news from there. One of the first ones.

TAGANROG 19 NOVEMBER 1825.

They say when Bonaparte was buried,

he was not in the coffin.

Miscellaneous. It didn't look much like him.

I didn't hear you, Sire!

That's the point. That no one hears.

I shave my head.

Light. More light!

Your Majesty!

Our reigning emperor

died.

You must fulfil your first duty.

We pledge allegiance to the new ruler.

To Konstantin Pavlovich.

Your Excellency!

According to the will, the Russian throne is not hereditary.

Ordinances without proclamation, just papers. Nikolai Pavlovich!

According to the law Konstantin Pavlovich Emperor Constantine Pavlovich is the Emperor.

Your brother.

If anyone else wishes...

- The usurper. - Why are you doing this?

I'll help you not to make a mistake.

I'm with you and your family until they die.

Here's my hand!

- You did this! This is not legal! - It's the right thing to do!

From now on, the ruler of Russia is a real soldier.

A Knight. And not a brigade commander who can't be stood.

Neither his subordinates nor his superiors.

The Senate will not take the oath. I promise you.

The Senate does not decide. The Guard.

I've got... 60,000 Guard bayonets here.

And for you?

The honour is mine.

Konstantin Pavlovich, you're sworn in, He followed Nicholas and the whole Empire.

He remained in Warsaw, leading the Polish army. He refused the Russian

throne, but did not resign in writing. In his opinion, only Emperor

can resign, but he never did. The Empire remained without supreme power.

TAGANROG

Among the papers of the late emperor, a report was found on the conspiracies of the 2nd Army.

Now they can start the action. The country is in total uncertainty.

- Special couriers with the mail to me! - Roger!

We cannot wait!

Go to the Southern Army and the conspiracy and arrest the leader of the conspiracy.

Your Excellency! This is a secret message for Warsaw.

To His Highness Konstantin Pavlovich!

- Make sure you read it! - Understood!

You're going to St. Petersburg with the same thing, and deliver it personally to Nikolai Pavlovich.

Understood!

Sometimes life brings pleasant surprises.

The Creator forgives me.

You and me, Sergei Ivanovich, have tasted the bitterness of opal

with the late Emperor. Now he is gone, and the new kingdom gives us new hope.

Hope is born in our hearts.

And what does your heart say?

That our fate is decided here. I think. And now!

- Ekaterina Pavlovna! - Good afternoon! - Ekaterina Pavlovna,

I'm going to ask your daughter to marry me.

What did he say?

He gave us his blessing.

Provided I return to St. Petersburg.

I'll be with you!

I promise you!

Pavel! Pavel!

UKRAINE HOUSE OF PESTEL LINCI

Pavel! Are you picking on Tulcsino? Good thing I made it.

They're calling to arrest you. If not. we start now, everything will be lost.

We've been reported.

- Who reported you? - Captain Majborod.

Pavel! Pavel, what's wrong with you?

- Pavel! - Why... why?

- What's wrong with you? - Nothing.

I've been in pain all week. It's the concussion. It'll go away soon.

We have a few more days. Keep everyone informed. We'll warn Muraljov.

We'll gather everything we can. We'll take the headquarters. Here we go!

I lead you to victory, not slaughter. There is no time.

Pavel, wait! There must be something we can do.

Yes, of course. I'm going to Tulchino and give myself up.

We couldn't win with honour, we have to think about how to lose profitably.

But, if you give up...

We... we all get lost.

Who gave you the right to decide for everyone?

Why are you here if I don't have the right to do all this?

Even better now. You'll understand in the end.

Not a drop of blood spilled.

And even if they don't execute us, we are martyrs for the freedom of our country.

We are the first victims of the great war.

This marks the beginning of the war.

Congratulations to you!

Letter from Taganrog. From Baron Gyibics, Minister of War.

- Here is the will of the late Emperor. - Take it to the Senate.

- And convene the Council. - You can't take anything out of here!

- Come on, drink up! - Crow, my girl! I can't. - Drink!

- It's so heavy, my girl! - Drink! - I don't want to!

- This will make you healthy. - Condratij, drink! Várenyka, it's time to sleep!

- Morgyvinov is here. - How? Is he here?

All instructions from the Emperor, His Majesty Emperor Konstantin Pavlovich.

When he arrives in person from Warsaw.

Papers, please!

Konstantin Pavlovich is not coming.

And he is... not a ruler.

- Nikolai Pavlovich! - Tomorrow morning in the Senate Nikolai Pavlovich

will declare himself Emperor.

- And what about Konstantin? What about him? Is he alive? - Of course!

- Calm down, everything is fine! He's retreated. And don't be in a hurry.

Don't break your oath.

The honour is mine!

There is a conspiracy in the country.

I am aware of, that young officers have gathered here at your house

who are not indifferent to the fate of their country. Is that so?

- I do not understand what you are talking about. - Leave it! You understand everything.

With the permission of the late monarch, we can dream.

Conspiracy against the foundations of the state.

Conspiracy against the Tsarist family to assassinate the Tsarist family.

My mother.

My children. My wife.

- Are you instructing us to wait? - We must work together!

We must help each other, all the more, because there are forces that

do not want the young emperor to be inaugurated. He needs our support.

- Do you understand? - I have no knowledge of that.

But we have enough power, to protect ourselves from any overreach.

How will you be protected?

From what you don't know.

Here is Gyibics. Taganrogban knows.

Yes. Your guards, the police, the gendarmerie and you

don't know.

Petersburg is full of conspirators.

Maybe you know that very well?

Yes, Nikolai Semyonovich. I never thought of that,

- you believe in the monarchy so much. - I believe in the law.

- Is that right? - I see the foundation on which to build everything.

And it will stand.

Please understand! The future

matters now.

Understood.

Now, the future matters.

We're on it.

Thanks to you, we haven't had a the supreme power in this country for three weeks.

I will restore it!

I, Emperor of All Russians!

- Almost there! - Gentlemen! Why don't you come up? - Prince! It's an emergency!

Please! Tomorrow is set aside for the oath, but no Resignation Manifesto.

Weak as never before. In this case we cannot lose. Immediately

- action must be taken. - You know who's taking the oath?

- Nikolai in front of the living Konstantin. - Now is the time to strike!

Russia will not have another chance, for another 100 years, Prince!

- You must lead the revolution! You are our dictator! - In the morning

I'm going to the palace where Nikolai is.

If blood is shed, no one wins.

Seryozha!

- Why are they standing there? Come into the salon, gentlemen! - Ekaterina Ivanovna,

Good evening! Please excuse me very generously! All we have exchanged is a few words.

I'm in a hurry. Go on!

He's leading the team to the Senate tomorrow, and prevent the swearing in.

Go to the barracks and convince the soldiers, to keep the

their earlier oath to Constantine. Promise to reduce the length of service,

an increase in salary. Even the Kingdom of Heaven. But get it all out!

So, shall we begin, Prince?

- I'll go to the square and give the order myself. - Good!

- Don't do anything without me. - Of course!

Gustav Ivanovich, come in!

- Gustav Ivanovich! - Tell me, is Colonel Pestel a friend of yours?

- Yes. Why do you ask? - He's under arrest.

I want to know, can this wait for me?

- Afraid of being arrested? - Stop it!

Stop it now!

Yes... Sit down.

Sergei Ivanovich! If you are arrested,

deny everything.

I describe you as an oath keeper, trustworthy officer.

Yes, please! I demand that you stop all

activity not required by the rules.

Sergey Ivanovich! Give me your word!

DECEMBER 14.

- What are you doing? - Kisses! I'm running to you!

- My little girl! - You're going to be sick.

- I will be back soon. I'll be back soon. - Your throat, Kondratij. Let me get you a scarf.

Leave it, it's useless. Darling, leave it. Goodbye. Goodbye.

I'm in the Moscow Regiment barracks!

Good health, guardsmen!

Strength and health, Your Imperial Majesty!

The Preobrazhensky Regiment is also sworn in, Your Majesty!

The Senate is sworn in, Your Majesty!

All is well.

Lie down, sir.

- The Major General swears! - Konstantin Pavlovich, the Emperor,

loves you! The Moscow Regiment!

Wishing you 15 years of service! Hooray!

Stop! Stop!

- Brother! - Brother! - Stop! Stop!

Bestuzsev!

Quick, before the Senate swears him in!

The Moscow Regiment at full strength. The rebels are going to the Senate.

I saw for myself that the Moscow Regiment soldiers are sticking to their previous oaths,

which they had given to Konstantin.

You, forgive me Your Majesty, are called a usurper.

- Do we have guard units around the Palace? - No, Sire!

Only the palace guard.

- Your Majesty! Let me speak! - Go ahead, Colonel.

Give the order and I'll go to the Senate. I'll take out the non-sworn regiments

from the city, that on the first day of his reign ...let not the troubles darken.

What makes you think they will listen to you?

They know me. I tell them what they want to know.

They want me not to back down.

- Are the cavalry guards sworn in? - They have sworn, Your Majesty!

- Go and tell them they can go to the Senate! - Aye!

Horses!

Stay, we may need you.

Have you read my Manifesto?

Everybody up! Get in line!

Stand there! Let no one in!

Fire at the enemy!

What are we waiting for? Let's take it to the Senate, force the senator to write

- Let's stick to the plan. I'm going for Trubeckij!

- Long live Konstantin! - Long live the Constitution! - Here!

By the grace of God, we Nicholas I.

- Emperor and ruler of all the Russians. And so on, and so on.

We proclaim to all our loyal subjects

with broken hearts, we are humbled before the mysterious will of the Most High.

Your Majesty! The soldiers in the square are not scattered by your reading.

- You have the right not to change. But only... - I think you're a soldier,

Governor General!

Get in line!

We are heartbroken, humbled before the mysterious will of the Most High.

All is ready. I can hardly hold them. One step away from victory!

It's not about quantity, it's about will. They're waiting for you, prince! Wait!

Do not hesitate! Send the couriers to collect the unsworn troops.

Guards, the Finnish Regiment and the Grenadiers. Over here! To me!

He won't listen to me, so I force him.

Good afternoon, guards!

- He's with Nikolai. - No, no! It's with Konstantin.

Why are they silent? Or do they not know you?

This sword was given to me by Constantine the Cavalier.

It is inscribed to my friend Miloradovich. He is my friend.

I would like any of you to call him your ruler.

But, he refuses.

Did you hear that? Rejects. From now on

is our ruler: Nikolai Pavlovich!

We serve with you. And it is our duty

to serve the Emperor and Russia!

Please, I beg you! Brothers and sisters! Think it over!

Return to the barracks, and I promise you... all of you!

Listen up, everyone! I will take you by the hand to the Ruler!

And he forgives you! I swear I will not take you into sin!

Please leave and leave the soldiers alone!

Stand to attention!

Left turn! Follow me!

Into the barracks! March on!

My children! Do not lose your souls!

I could spit... blood.

Hooray, Konstantin!

I said: long live Konstantin! What, are they deaf?

Estuyshev!

- I'm here to inform you that the case is underway, and we are moving forward. - No!

The case is closed.

Sergey! We have been exposed. Pestel has been caught, Petersburg is a disaster.

We are now drinking champagne and shooting ourselves.

Don't you dare! Listen to me! We have a very little time left. To get up,

bypassing Kiev and taking the Rzhev road. One month to the capital

or. Nikolai can only justify his power in St Petersburg. Go to

with your officers. Tell them the case has begun.

- That the Chernyigovsky's have risen. - Yes. Okay.

I'm ready.

- What do I tell the soldiers, where are we going? - Motovilovka.

Where I'm going with the Chernigov people. My brother Artamon is coming there.

With the hussars from Artirsky.

If this is successful, it will be a a fratricidal war.

You know what's worse than a fratricidal war? Getting lost in that war.

Victory is our god now.

- Lt Col Gebel arrested! His sword! - Well... well...

- Good. Very well, gentlemen. Very well. - Gustave Ivanovich, your sword. Yes.

- Gustav Ivanovich, the sword! Take his weapon! Captain Scsepilo,

- Get out of my way! - Gustav Ivanovich! - What are you doing?

Gustav Ivanovich! Gustav Ivanovich!

What's up?

- You know me. - Gustav Ivanovich!

- Treason! - Gustav Ivanovich, please! I beg you!

Please! What are you doing?

- Your Excellency! - Out of the way! Out of the way!

Stay, I said!

What?

Let go!

Let go! Leave it! Leave it!

Leave it! Stop it! Stop it! Sword in the scabbard!

Why, will you not follow the Emperor's orders? General!

There are no Turks in the square.

- And no French either. - He swore an oath to Nicholas.

The cavalry guards are having lunch.

You want to be a traitor, Orlov?

General!

Medic! Get a medic!

- Your Excellency! Your Excellency! - Doctor!

What? How did it happen?

Gather round!

Hey, cheater!

Don't keep up,

go!

Hooray, Konstantin!

Hooray, Miklós!

- Hooray, Konstantin! - Long live Nicholas!

Long live Konstantin!

Hurray, Konstantin!

Nikolai is here. Prepare to attack!

What are we waiting for? There's Nikolai. We get him and it's all over.

No, my friend! We are still too few.

We'll wait for Trubeckoy, he's leading the grenadiers.

God is with us! Hooray!

Your Majesty! The marines are preparing to attack.

Your Majesty! You'd better go!

Pass it to Orlov: he can attack!

- Scatter. Scatter the rebels. Get artillery. Roger!

- Long live the Constitution! - Hooray!

- Long live Konstantin! - Hooray!

Go on the attack!

- No troops! - No troops. Bullets! Load!

Stand by!

Aim!

Fire!

Fire!

Retreat!

Retreat!

Left turn!

Aim!

- Back! Back! - Up!

Hooray, brothers and sisters! Victory!

The Emperor will be with us!

- Your Excellency! - What is your duty, Colonel?

I'd like to know why we're not stopping the traitor Muravyov?

And after the events in the capital, some of an impressionable nature,

will be seen almost as heroes.

They inflicted fourteen wounds on Lt Col Gebel. Fourteen.

Turns out they're not heroes.

Turns out they are bandits and murderers.

Now that our blood is costly in the new kingdom.

This is our way.

Please!

Put out the fire until all the laps are out.

Prince!

It burns us too.

MOTOVILOVKA KIEV GOVERNORATE

Soldiers to the guard post! We'll stay here for the night.

Brothers, let's move faster! Faster, faster!

Do not disperse! Where are you going? Stop! Stop! Stop, I said!

You bastards!

Drive them fast. Catching up.

Colonel! What you do against your own ruler!

The Guard is against the Tsar. Even units loyal to him are defecting to us,

when darkness falls. Ask him to hand over power to you and the Senate,

and leave! We will change everything! This is our Dream!

Believe me, I know what I'm talking about. It dies, but it doesn't go away.

What will he do? Kill him?

His family? Kill his children?

There... people are dying.

There are Russians shooting at Russians. There can only be war.

- Senseless war in our Motherland. - There will be no war,

Nikolai Semyonovich. We have won.

Prince! You have a choice!

Or get your soldiers out of the square, or it all ends in blood.

Decide, Prince!

Tell him I am ready to negotiate with him.

But, he won't be able to talk to anyone in an hour. Only with you, Count!

- Gentlemen! - The grenadiers! - God be with us! - Your Majesty!

We don't know which side they're on! They are dangerous!

Nikolai Pavlovich!

Follow the Emperor!

Stop! Stop, grenadiers!

- We are fighting for Konstantin! - Long live!

That's it!

Here's your way!

- For the Constitution! - Hooray!

Come with us, people! For Konstantin!

Long live Konstantin!

- Stay here! - Hooray! Hooray! Hurray!

I have just met His Majesty.

Why didn't you kill him?

Where is Trubeckoj?

All right, I'll get him! You get in line!

Line up!

Where's your regiment, Ataman?

- My regiment is on the road to Trilesov. - Correct.

- An hour's ride for you. - We've got an artillery battery.

I have orders to cut you down without a word.

What are you doing? Are you following orders?

- Go away! Through the White Temple. You know why?

you came here?

Shame on you for that! For not being with me.

Think about what you want! I'm here to help you.

- Alert! Alert! - We are under attack! Alert!

What is this? Stop it!

Colonel! They say it was our people who set it on fire.

Sergei Alexeyevich, there's the...

the tavern is on fire.

What have you guessed?

Stop it! Stop it!

Move aside! Make way!

Make way!

What happened? Stop!

By what right did you take the officer's uniform?

To take off your uniform! Baranov is a grenadier.

Major Baranov.

I was a major and I am still a major. And you here?

- How dare you contradict me? - God forbid, Sergei Ivanovich!

I have been dreaming about this for eight years.

Eight years.

No. Not like you. I didn't mean constitution and reforms.

That, I'm going to get my rank back and get revenge, yes. I wished very much.

And now I am grateful to you for that.

If I have to, I'm dying for you.

Tomorrow we all die or we win.

Calm down, soldier! We start in the morning.

Attention!

Anna!

Tcherbatov has given you the travel document. He said it was the only

he could do for you.

You shouldn't have.

- You shouldn't have. - I wish you were coming tomorrow.

- Tomorrow? - Tomorrow we win.

- Who's we? The Saviors' League. That's what we call ourselves.

We really need to win this one, so that all honest people will know and see,

that they are not alone. That, there are many of us. That we are strong.

Otherwise, we will be living in a terrible fairy tale. And wait,

- to see who the man-eater comes for next. - Seryozha!

I was at Gebel's.

Tomorrow everything will change.

Everyone loves you.

When I left, they let me through everywhere. Because, I'm your bride.

They even bowed down.

I came to you,

but, you're not here.

Gentlemen, cannons!

Battalion of the Preobrazhensky Regiment at your disposal!

- To see that there will be no idling. - Gentlemen! Let us face the truth.

We are surrounded. Let us elect a dictator from among ourselves, and start negotiating.

What negotiation? We already shot them.

Let's go to the soldiers. We'll wait for dark. Let's go!

I demand. No! I beg you, Prince! Let us go! They await your word.

- Your glory. Let's go, damn you! - You want my word.

Here it is. I am grateful to you.

You have done the impossible. The square has the best Guard regiments.

- Crowds of onlookers. - What is the meaning of this threat, Prince? Please be silent!

They are the shield behind which is born Russia's future.

Wait until dark, it won't be long now. This stubborn man thinks that

has surrounded himself. He's got you. But in the end, he understands what everyone knows.

- He has to give up. And have a conversation. - Nicholas is close, our

just one shot from our side. One strike and he won't be talking to anyone.

- Let's go, come on! Let's go! - Mr. Writer!

Go home, treat your cold. It's not up to you.

You coward!

You are a fool, Kondratnij Fyodorovich! But, thanks anyway.

I am an ignoramus. You are too clever and prudent, Prince!

The uneducated change the world. Napoleon is ignorant.

Brutus is ignorant. Christ is ignorant. Go to the square and go mad!

- Once in a lifetime! - Go home! He's on his way!

Damn you!

Sire! The rebels are surrounded. Give the order to fire.

Ruler! Is that what you wish?

Do you want your reign to begin with this?

Cruelty will be forgiven me.

- Weakness will never be forgiven. - Mercy is not weakness.

That is the right of the strong.

Tell them: they can go.

Also:

I don't want to know their names.

Soldiers! The Emperor hopes they will come to their senses.

The monarch does not want to know their names.

Have you brought us a constitution?

I'm not here to negotiate. I am offering you mercy.

Sire! Give me an order!

Let me be the guilty one in this bloody deed!

All blood will be on me forever.

Load!

- God, law and justice are with us. - Stop! - They dare not shoot.

- They dare not shoot themselves! - Victory!

Fire!

Fire!

Execute command!

Load.

Fire!

Oh my God!

Stop!

Follow me!

Stop! Stop!

Stay where you are! Stop them! We'll take the Senate!

Stop! Stop!

Stop! Stop! Run back! Get back! Quickly!

We're going to Fort Peter and Paul! We're taking the Armory!

Lads!

They are forming up on the ice to take the fort.

Fire!

But, not at people. Break the ice!

Roger! Forward!

- Take the weapons to the square! - Give me one!

Ammo!

Stop! Brothers and sisters! Let's go to the fort!

- We take the armory! - Long live Konstantin!

Long live the Constitution!

Hold the line!

Follow me!

Kondratnij! Condratnij!

Help!

Do not panic!

Whose duty is it?

Mine.

I have a very delicate speech for you.

Tell me, why did you do that?

Why?

I suggested to you that we reach our destination peacefully.

- I won, Nikolai Semyonovich. - What?

I changed Russia forever.

But, freedom cannot be achieved without sacrifice. Is that not so?

It was not only the lives of soldiers and officers that were sacrificed. But also their families.

If you like, you kicked them up there in the square.

So what now? How will they exist without you?

Without a roof over their heads? Without an income? With your name on top of it?

Did you think of that or not?

Calm down!

I will not mention you during the interviews. And you know why?

I don't want to make a hero out of you.

Stay a dreamer. How much life do you have left?

- Envy me! - Okay. That's all. It's all right.

So!

I promise to take care of your family.

You have helped me a lot.

It was nothing. But, no more.

JANUARY 3, 1826.

You know that after Napoleon Elba went to Paris with a thousand men.

Yes. We have about that many now.

Do you think this is a sign from God?

- Regiment halt! - Regiment halt!

Company commanders, with me!

It's started.

- Will you allow me to negotiate with him? - We have nothing to negotiate with bandits.

- Your Excellency! I'm following orders. I'll advise you.

Follow orders until you're dismissed.

There may still be a chance. Let's pretend to surrender.

We'll go closer and there's a bayonet!

Here's the line. When we cross it, the war begins.

Bring the flag to me!

- Colonel! What is it? - Join our soldiers! We'll be with them.

I can convince them, they'll come with us.

Seryozh!

Seryozha!

- Get ready! - Mr Branov! - You heard the regiment commander's order!

You want him killed?

- Right turn! - To the left! Go!

Fire!

You are called the chief culprit and dictator. Do you admit it?

- I confess. - Why didn't you go with them?

Did you think it over? Or were you afraid?

I did not wish for bloodshed.

Then why did you bring military forces to the square?

I thought it was the purpose of my life,

to show the Russian power to your subjects and to negotiate it.

Only you... didn't want to listen to us.

You are a smart man.

If a ruler can be forced by force, then what kind of ruler is he?

Perhaps I wanted to listen to you. It's just impossible.

After what happened.

If I then, after I met you, I would have gone to the troops,

I would have been knocked down at the Palace.

Can we talk now?

Okay. Go!

Tired?

- Yes. - Do you feel sorry for him?

Are they being executed?

Sergei Ivanovich! Sergei Ivanovich! I'm alive! I'm alive!

That's it! That's it!

- Good afternoon, Semyonovians! - Health and strength, Your Imperial Majesty!

Your Majesty!

- Victory, gentlemen! - Victory!

Hooray!

On 13 July 1826, Pável Pesztelt,

Sergey Muravyov-Apostolt, Kondraty Rileyev, Mikhail Bestuzhev-Ryumin,

and Pyotr Kakhovsky were executed. The gallows rope

broke, so they were hanged again. Their whereabouts are unknown.

Sergey Trubecky has been given a perpetual catrograph as a penalty. Amnesty in 1856

and his noble rights were restored. Three years later he died in Moscow.

Nicholas I died of pneumonia at the age of 58. The five Decembrists

was a unique event during his 30-year reign.

Son and heir of Alexander II reforms reforms which Alexander I

Emperor was unable to begin. He freed the serfs,

transformed the army and the judiciary.

On 1 March 1881, he was assassinated by terrorists.