Taras Bulba (1962)
A sweeping historical epic of Cossack pride, forbidden love, and the brutal cost of divided loyalties on the Ukrainian steppes.
Taras Bulba - Movie Information
- Original Title: Taras Bulba
- Release Year: 1962
- Directed by: J. Lee Thompson
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Romance, History, War, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 59m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Latin
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 21, 1962 (France), December 19, 1962 (United States), April 4, 1963 (United Kingdom - U), December 21, 1962 (Germany - 12), January 1, 1964 (Brazil - 12), February 25, 1963 (Spain)
- Alternative Titles: Тарас Бульба (UA)
- Production Companies: Avala Film, Harold Hecht Productions, United Artists
- Production Countries: United States of America, Yugoslavia
Taras Bulba - Plot
Ukraine, 16th century. While the Poles dominate the Cossack steppes, Andrei, son of Taras Bulba, a Cossack leader, must choose between his love for his family and his folk and his passion for a Polish woman.
Taras Bulba - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the epic clash of love, war, and loyalty unfold.
A love story of flesh and fire!
Where to Watch Taras Bulba
Looking for where to watch Taras Bulba?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Taras Bulba - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- J. Lee Thompson
Main Cast
- Tony Curtis
- Yul Brynner
- Christine Kaufmann
- Sam Wanamaker
- Brad Dexter
- Guy Rolfe
- Perry Lopez
- George Macready
- Ilka Windish
- Vladimir Sokoloff
Writers
- Karl Tunberg
- Waldo Salt
Producers
- Harold Hecht
Taras Bulba - FAQs
What is Taras Bulba about?
Set in 16th-century Ukraine under Polish rule, Taras Bulba follows Andrei, the son of a fierce Cossack chieftain, who falls passionately in love with a Polish noblewoman. Torn between his loyalty to his father, his people, and his heart, Andrei faces an impossible choice that drives the film's emotional core.
Is Taras Bulba based on a true story?
Taras Bulba is based on the 1835 novella of the same name by Ukrainian-Russian author Nikolai Gogol. While Gogol drew on Cossack history and folklore for inspiration, the story and its characters are largely fictional, though rooted in the real historical tensions between Cossacks and Polish rule in Ukraine.
Who are the main actors in Taras Bulba?
Yul Brynner leads the cast as the formidable Cossack chieftain Taras Bulba, with Tony Curtis playing his conflicted son Andrei. Christine Kaufmann portrays Natalia, the Polish woman Andrei loves. The supporting cast includes Sam Wanamaker, Brad Dexter, Guy Rolfe, Perry Lopez, and George Macready.
Where can I stream Taras Bulba?
You can stream Taras Bulba on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, MGM+, Philo, and Tubi TV (with ads). It's also available to rent or buy on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home, giving you plenty of options to catch this classic epic.
Did Tony Curtis and Yul Brynner film Taras Bulba on location?
Yes! Much of Taras Bulba was filmed on location in Yugoslavia, which provided the sweeping landscapes needed to bring the Ukrainian steppes to life. The production was a large-scale undertaking, featuring thousands of extras and elaborate battle sequences that gave the film its grand, epic feel.
Who directed Taras Bulba and who wrote the screenplay?
J. Lee Thompson directed Taras Bulba, fresh off his success with The Guns of Navarone. The screenplay was written by Karl Tunberg and Waldo Salt, adapting Nikolai Gogol's classic novella. Franz Waxman composed the film's sweeping score, which earned him an Academy Award nomination.
How long is Taras Bulba?
Taras Bulba runs for 1 hour and 59 minutes (119 minutes). It's a full-bodied epic with room for both grand battle sequences and intimate dramatic moments, making its runtime feel well-earned rather than drawn out.
When was Taras Bulba released?
Taras Bulba had its first release in France on November 21, 1962, followed by its US premiere on December 19, 1962. It reached UK audiences on April 4, 1963, and opened in Germany on December 21, 1962, making it a wide international release for its era.
More About Taras Bulba
Explore further details, credits, and community data for Taras Bulba on these trusted resources.