Be they musicals or melodramas, war movies or animation, Russian films have a long & fascinating history of addressing the major social & political events of their time. From Sergei Eisenstein`s anti-tsarist drama, ” The Battleship Potemkin”, to socialist realism, to the post-glasnost thematic explosion, this volume explores the socio-political impact of the cinema of Russia & the former Soviet Union. Introductory essays establish key players & situate important genres within their cultural & industrial milieus, while reviews & case studies analyze individual titles in considerable depth. For the film studies scholar, or for all those who love Russian cinema & want to learn more, ” Directory of World Cinema: Russia” will be an essential companion.