She is one of the most important figures of the 18th century, a powerful ruler capable of expanding the borders of the Russian empire as never before. A strong, intelligent, sophisticated, far-sighted woman. But she too is very expert in politics, so much so that over the centuries she is remembered as Catherine “the Great” . Her name gives the title to the new series Sky Original and HBO (together again after the worldwide success of Chernobyl) starring the longest-lived empress in the history of Russia. And who will play such a powerful and inspiring figure
To give the face and magnificence of Catherine II of Russia will be the Oscar winner Helen Mirren . The series aired exclusively from November 1st at 9.15pm on Sky Atlanticand streaming on NOW TV , with all episodes available on demand from the same day .
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“The story of Catherine has always fascinated me – unveiled Helen Mirren -, not just because of my connection with Russia. She was a pioneer, she brought a very innovative and regenerative approach. You certainly knew how to anticipate the times, and was a very fascinating character to play ».
Written by Nigel Williams , who previously worked with Helen Mirren on the Elizabeth I mini-series (awarded between 2006 and 2007 with 9 Emmys and 3 Golden Globes), Catherine the Greatand directed by award-winning director Philip Martin (The Crown) and took off in 1762, after the coup that deposed Peter III and brought his wife Catherine to power, seen by many as illegitimate (being of German descent) and unqualified to play this important role. For this he will face numerous challenges to maintain power and rule his adopted country, despite pressure from Minister Panin ( Rory Kinnear ) who works behind the scenes to put Prince Paul ( Joseph Quinn ), son of Catherine and Peter, on the throne.
Contradicting the demands of her unfaithful lover Grigory Orlov ( Richard Roxburgh), Caterina decides not to remarry after the disaster of her first marriage, on the contrary she will lead a very active and free love life . With a great and tumultuous love for the young and charismatic Lieutenant Grigory Potemkin ( Jason Clarke ) who soon became not only the new lover of the empress, but also her most trusted advisor. A very special, almost explosive and openly open relationship.
Potemkin leads all the most victorious campaigns of the Russian Empire, leading the troops to conquer the Crimea and ready to challenge the Ottoman Empire. This victorious campaign marked him physically, enough to weaken him and lead to his death. Thus Catherine, distraught by grief, retires from public life and, with the advice of Countess Bruce (Gina McKee ), manages not to fall into the trap hatched by her new and young lover. But her fate is sealed anyway. 5 reasons to watch the Modern Love TV series
Love, delicacy and emotions: if you are looking for these ingredients, Modern Love is the series for you, taken from the New York Times column “Catherine the Great” and a love story Una story of love and power that transcends the centuries : at the base of this series, says Helen Mirren , there is «absolutely love. The one between Catherine and Potemkin and their shared love for Russia. It is a simple human story, of love and jealousy, pain and pleasure and all the things that love brings with it ».In her modernity, however, Caterina had to deal with political and social problems in her time : «Many issues that she had to face as a leader continue to be decidedly topical – comments the director Philip Martin -. For example, balancing nationalism and expansion with liberalism and social change, the tension between the personal lives and public roles of our leaders and the particular pressures on women in power. ” An excellent reception
At her very recent debut in the United Kingdom, Catherine the Great was immediately given an excellent reception: for GQ “it is the greatest interpretation” by Helen Mirren, for the TimesMirren “is magnificent” in the role of Catherine “majestic and complex, at the same time imposing and insecure”, the Independent decrees “What could be more fabulous than Helen Mirren who plays in The Queen
Helen Mirren who plays a empress ».
The same fate befell the series in the United States: for The Hollywood Reporter , “working with a more rigorous writing, director Philip Martin did a ‘real’ job far superior to Netflix’s The Crown”, while IndieWire claims that this series is «a sumptuous spectacle». Varietyemphasizes the performance of Helen Mirren, who “manages to make an almost mythical figure with solid determination, gravitas and sometimes petty instincts”, while according to the New York Times “she brought with her (in the series) her extraordinary gifts of refinement and intelligence “.
