The second part of Bulat Mansurov's planned epic film series; “The Saga of the Ancient Bulgars". The film depicts the life and reign of Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavich of Kiev, known in legends as Vladimir the Red Sun. The story begins in 972 AD, after the death of his father, Grand Prince Svyatoslav, which ignites a power struggle among Vladimir and his brothers. The film emphasizes that Russian princes only succeeded when they maintained good relations with the Bulgars and other steppe nations. It also depicts Vladimir's reflection on his rise to power upon receiving the book "The Ladder" in 1005, ten years after his conversion to Christianity.
Andrey Sukhov
as Vladimir, Prince of Novgorod
Александр Беспалый
as Vladimir in old age
Alexander Philipenko
as Yaropolk / Svyatopolk "the Accursed"
Alsu Gaynullina
as Altun-Maria
Леонид Куравлёв
as Dobrynya
Ravil Sharafi
as Mamun, Emir of the Volga Bulgars
Афанасий Кочетков
as Solovushka
Донатас Банионис
as Sveneld
Juozas Budraitis
as Asmud
Elina Bystritskaya
as Duchess Olga
Юрий Назаров
as Skomorokh Blessed
Василий Лановой
as Constantine VIII
