Sport movies are pathetic and there is no way around that fact. This can especially be said for the modern Russian sport movies, which tend to confront the Western culture by glorifying the past achievements in the sport arenas. Hockey was the best Russian collective sport and it still is, mimicking the power and awe of USSR times. Among many stories that had been written on the ice pack, the one of Valeri Kharlamov is one the most dynamic, although not depicting the tragic ending. All the elements of a classic sport story will be there, the stellar uprising, the moral dilemmas and challenges that follow the glory and a triumphant resurrection in the legendary revial matches between USSR and Canada. On the other side, little will be given on the depth of characters and the acting will be just mediocre, with an exception of ever versatile Oleg Menshikov, here portraying the legendary coach and the father of modern Soviet hockey armada and collective sport itself, Tarasov. If you are into sport movies, "Legend N.17" will please you in a really decent way.

Yesterday I had an opportunity to watch this movie. Even after hearing many positive comments, I was hesitating for a while about watching that since I did not manage to watch very good Russian movies produced lately except the movie "Stilyagi", but my desire to see the movie about the legendary Harlamov took over. I got interested due to the fact that my Dad watched that famous hockey match USSR vs Canada and he told me that was a life-time event when USSR hockey team proved to be the best one in the world. I was not even born then yet, but read about that match and V. Harlamov in particular. Moreover I was very curious to find out more about Tarasov, who was very good coach with his special "hard-to-cope" training routine that brought its fruits. I must tell I was not disappointed and did not feel I wasted my time. Of course I was not impressed by computer effects (this area still leaves to be desired) and some very predictable moments. I still do not like that post-Soviet heritage in the Russian movies when foreigners are shown like stupid and cruel ones (compared to bulls) who then suddenly change to good ones after lessons taught by main character. But I was impressed by acting of Vladimir Menshov whose characters were mainly good guys. I was surprised by Oleg Menshikov, who used to be a good actor but seemed to have lost his acting grip. I must admit in this movie he was good and I believed that Tarasov might have behaved, lived and coached the way Menshikov embodied him. Of course tastes differ so it's better to watch it yourselves. My recommendation? It is worth watching. See you in the movies.

Russian movie straight out of "MustSee" list! I've watched this movie in cinema... you know, I'm not a big fan of Russian movies, of a ice hockey, BUT it's some story about great people thinking and about "how the big things comes from dreams in reality" Actors playing good! Kozlovski & Menshikov, GREAT JOB! After a movie I've got a feeling like I'm going home after great game of a time, just like I've watched not a movie, but real ICE HOCKEY... The things in movie about soviet system, about sport, about hurt, about politics, it is true, everything! THANKS A LOT! GREAT MOVIE! When I have children, I'll necessarily show them this movie!

Great movie. Even if you are not into hockey or not great fun of Russians, the film shows a story about one man who followed his dream, worked hard and won. The man was known as the best player of his time. It also shows the trainer who brought the natural talent to the professional level, the greatest level. Intrigues in soviet sport are true story and that's unbelievable how a man can fight against the system. Brilliant play of actors. Based on true story the only fake is chronology of scenes. I hope that in other languages film doesn't loose on quality. The original was great. I had to wipe tears few times (I'm very emotional))) and even my hubby was touched (that doesn't happen often ))) Emotional, inspirational and sincere!