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.
as Vladimir, Prince of Novgorod
as Vladimir in old age
as Yaropolk / Svyatopolk "the Accursed"
as Altun-Maria
as Dobrynya
as Mamun, Emir of the Volga Bulgars
as Solovushka
as Sveneld
as Asmud
as Duchess Olga
as Skomorokh Blessed
as Constantine VIII
as Slava
as Svyatoslav / Erik, King of Sweden
as Anna of Byzantium
as Rogneda
as Rogneda in old age
as Putsha
as "Greek" Nun
as Polovtsian
as Boris
