Director: Gabe Polsky
Country: USA/Russia
Rating: PG
Runtime: 85 min
Debut director Gabe Polsky’s documentary Red Army (2014) looks at the Soviet hockey team and its infamous rivalries with its North American counterparts during the 1980s. During the Cold War, political rivalries and ideals found representation in the world of sports, as the Soviet team came to represent communist success or failure. Polsky focuses on famous Soviet player Slava Fetisov, who stood up to the tyranny of his coaches and left the Red Army to join the NHL. Interviews with Soviet teammates, NHL coach Scotty Bowman, and Fetisov himself illuminate this shadowy and fascinating world. Film and hockey fans alike are able to enjoy this documentary that offers exciting stories of betrayed friendships, loyal patriotism, and the love of the game. The work has moments of drama as well as humour, and it is easy to become caught up in its fascinating true story that centres on an individual who may initially appear wooden but gradually reveals a real personality and genuine emotions. The doc becomes darker than may be expected from a sports story, but Polsky finds positive notes within his tale as well. Red Army is a highly effective non-fiction film that entertains as it educates. Even those who do not have any prior interest in the subject matter will find themselves drawn into the intense yet true tale full of emotion and intrigue, and the accomplishment of this feat is one of the highest to which documentary film can aspire.
Overall Rating: 8 / 10
