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The Woman with the 5 Elephants
The Woman with the 5 Elephants
8.7
/10
145 Ratings

THE WOMAN WITH THE 5 ELEPHANTS

Die Frau mit den 5 Elefanten

Directed by Vadim Jendreyko
Germany, Switzerland, 2009
Documentary

Synopsis

Svetlana Geier is the world’s greatest translator of Russian literature, renowned for her translations of Dostoevsky’s novels, but her success has also come with its share of loss. While Geier’s unique gift for languages saved her, it also forced her to make a choice that forever altered her life.

Synopsis

Svetlana Geier is the world’s greatest translator of Russian literature, renowned for her translations of Dostoevsky’s novels, but her success has also come with its share of loss. While Geier’s unique gift for languages saved her, it also forced her to make a choice that forever altered her life.

Our take

Titled in reference to Dostoyevsky’s five major novels, Vadim Jendreyko’s documentary is a fascinating look at the life and work of renowned translator Svetlana Geier. Gorgeously shot, this synthesis of literary analysis and personal history is as entertaining as it is intellectually stimulating.