The director breaks down the most important aspects — the conflict between Muslim and Christian worldviews; between the instincts of the conqueror and self-abnegation; between the blind thirst to conquer and freedom of choice. He gives the actors grotesque colors, while using different shades to paint the prince, casting in this role Igor Yatsko, who, like himself, is a disciple of Vasilyev, and one who is not of royal appearance...