The Ballad of Bering Strait

Starring:Tim DuBois, Alexander Ostrovsky, Mike Kinnamon, Andrei Missikhin, Alexei Arzamastsev, Ilya Toshinsky, Brent Maher, Lidia Salnikova, Natasha Borzilova, Sergei Pasov, Sergei 'Spooky' Olkhovsky
Director: Nina Gilden Seavey
Studio: KOCH LORBER FILMS
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

The Ballad of Bering Strait is a sharp and sensitive documentary about the emotionally perilous journey of several classically trained Moscow musicians who dream of breaking into Nashville's seemingly impenetrable country scene. Superb in technique and soulful in performance, these gifted veterans of Russia's famously rigorous musical training comprise Bering Strait, a hard-charging, rootsy band with solid bluegrass credentials and country-pop flavoring. Their blend is perfect for the era of the Dixie Chicks, but the film captures a near-debilitating flow of problems for Bering Strait, including industry perception (a Russian novelty act?), elusive record deals, homesickness, low morale, deficit spending.... Director Nina Gilden Seavey spends years patiently capturing the ups and downs of this ever-hopeful band of outsiders, in the process clarifying anew the face of the American Dream as most non-superstars--whether resident or immigrant--realistically understand it. --Tom Keogh

Description

Emmy award-winning director Nina Gilden Seavey follows the unique and remarkable course of the young band, capturing an insider's view of the journey from their homes in Obninsk Russia to an uncertain future in Nashville Tennessee. This critically acclaimed documentary debunks the myth of the overnight sensation and engrosses audiences in what it means to cross boundaries and fuse cultures while never losing sight of your passion.

Customer Reviews:

Ballad of Bering Strait.......2005-08-15

The documentary shows that there is no such thing as an overnight success. There are years of dreams, heartache and confusion before the fans hears the first song on the radio.
(Providing the music has an opportunity to play on the radio)

Great documentary!!!.......2004-06-21

I saw this on CMT. I had no idea what it was about when it first came on, but it was so good, that I sat and watched the whole thing without ever changing the channel. It is really good. You would never put Bluegrass and Russia together, but in the documentary they are melded together seamlessly. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in either bluegrass, country music or just likes to watch documentaries.

Glued To The Screen.......2004-01-05

I thought this documentary was riveting from the first moment it started to the last shot. Fantastic story about these kids from Russia and their struggles and hopes. They are so incredibly talented and charming that you just can't help but care for them - this is also a compliment to the filmmakers who crafted this story with care and great talent. The band members all give such insight into their lives and their dreams, especially Lydia Salnikova (pianist and vocals). A scene where she has dinner with her family in Russia is so poignant - I felt it was the center of this story. Natasha (guitar and vocals) and Ilya (guitar virtuoso and vocals) also provide amazing stories, but as the problems get bigger and bigger Lydia talks about the fear of the struggle so eloquently I felt like it was happening to me. These kids are beautiful and intelligent and incredibly talented - I know there's great things to come from them and I suspect their individual talents will break through too - Ilya's guitar, Lydia's piano and vocals, Sasha's dobro (yes dobro!), Natasha's vocals... you will love this movie and their music!

"Strait" Talk.......2004-01-01

THE BALLAD OF BERING STRAIT documents the struggles of an enterprising group of young country musicians from Russia to break through with American audiences, leading up to the release of their self-titled debut album. Director Nina Gilden Seavey gives us a solid look at the rise of this hard-working band and gives a particular emphasis on the abilities of lead vocalist/guitarist Natasha Borzilova and instrumental virtuoso Ilya Toshinsky. The band's self-titled debut album was one of the best albums to be released in 2003, with "Bearing Straight", a track from that album, coming very close to winning a Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance. And after you see THE BALLAD OF BERING STRAIT, you too will see the reason why these young musicians are worth rooting for.

From Russia With Love!!!!.......2003-10-29

I love this new DVD documentary about Bering Strait. You guys are such an inspiration too us all! All though im a (Metal & Progressive Rock Music Student) I still love your music. Keep the music flowing. Its nice for a change that good music can come from other countries and not only USA. I hope too see them in Japan!
"Advice For Buyers" Buy this today and you won't be dissapointed!!!!

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