The Great has actually *GREAT* costumes (S1 + S2)

[@gremlita]

Omg im a doofus !!! Peter iii is not Peter ii’s son 😭😭 but he is still peter i’s grandson 😭😭

[@Tatiana_Palii]

I was just about to complain, because Peter II actually died at the age of 14😅

[@choicethetaurus]

e22e2e kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqPbpX9pqrmfbdU

[@earfquake3989]

@@choicethetaurus I just clicked the link... DAMN LOVING THE SONG

[@beautifulcarpetdiagram]

Luckily the show was only inspired by history and is not meant to be used as a learning resource. People who complain about the historical accuracy of fiction shows and movies that are supposed to be entertaining are ridiculous.

[@ellerose8807]

PALEASE COVER MRS MAISEL THE COSTUMES ARE BEAUTIFUL

[@Neddoest]

I think it’s fair to say Nick Hoult does a *fantastic* job portraying Peter; he’s definitely become a sympathetic character.

[@trinaq]

Indeed, it's not easy to make a horrible character likable, but Nicholas definitely succeeds! 😍

[@bellecs324]

It all started with Tony stonem

[@Neddoest]

@Erwin Lii I don’t know because I haven’t thought about it?

[@pinkmilk1591]

@@bellecs324 Haha omg yess!

[@sewgeekdesigns9113]

@@trinaq it’s cause of how he was raised his mom was horrible to him and he had a lot to live up to when it came to his dad.but I love his love for Paul 😍

[@rosebudsavesacat]

It’s so funny that people have started simping for a fictionalized version of a Russian king, because of his pretend redemption arch. This show feels like AU fan fiction and I love it.

An AU fanfiction is the best way to describe this show.

[@samf.s.7731]

Dude you gotta watch "The Favorite". Hoult is in it too, in case that's why you're into watching "The Great".

[@mariaefstratiou7427]

I also love how Peter wears pearl necklaces, a stereotypically feminine accessory, to show how he's playing the role of the 'woman' (or what was considered to be a woman's role in marriage) in the relationship: stay at home, take care of the children while the wife is ruling the country

[@caligulalonghbottom2629]

Its also a modern trend for fashionable men to wear pearl necklaces a la Harry Styles, Sean Mendes, etc.

[@permanentstateofawe6544]

Also due to the fact that in the show, he basically embraces being a stay-at-home Dad in season 2. He keeps referring to the baby as Paul from the very beginning he discovered she was pregnant while Catherine just calls it "the baby" during the early stages of her pregnancy. And to add-on, he's carrying Paul in the baby body strap attached to his chest after Paul is born. It's pretty obvious he parents and cares for Paul (note that I didn't say babysit), when Catherine is handling businesses of state.

[@silverkyre]

He wears a skirt in the first season, and he wears the pearls when he thinks of his mother

[@dovalayn]

it’s a pearl rosary actually

[@caligulalonghbottom2629]

@@dovalayn its a multistrand pearl necklace...

[@shireenqasimm]

FINALLY SOMEONE TALKED ABOUT THIS SHOW. SO UNDERRATED.

[@DaiizR]

I know! I love this show sm

[@hikuz9590]

Because it suvks

[@rabbiteen17]

@@hikuz9590 miss

[@rabbiteen17]

@A M aa yeah that makes more sense 😭 why watch a show abt russian history thats targeted to westerners when you could watch one made by russians, for russians.

[@samf.s.7731]

It is sadly not getting the love it deserves on YT. Especially when compared to .. that other "historical drama" show which came out last year. But what's the average Jane's consensus on films like "The Favorite"? Especially when compared to any Bronte or Austin novel adaptation? The favorite does things in a completely fresh and nuanced manner; it's clever and funny, and actually made me "think" while watching it. Characters are very complex and not "one note" (Except for the ones intentionally written to be that way), it's very feminist too. This show definitely felt like that, I enjoyed it precisely for being that way. And although there's ... I guess we can call it a romance? It's hella weird and doesn't have the "happily ever after feel". It deconstructs the characters, deconstructs history (Which I didn't even think was possible lol 🤣), makes a statement, and somehow manages to makes me laugh too.. It might be "too smart" and "too good" for its own good. Maybe that's why it's underrated.

[@pinkestpeaches6302]

I loved Aunt Elizabeth in the show. She’s clearly a very intelligent woman and knew that she could do what she wanted since everyone thought she was crazy, she used that to her advantage.

[@sarahwatts7152]

Lifegoals...

[@hanlitwin]

Best character

[@salliejoyner9751]

@@sarahwatts7152 Aunt Elizabeth is the only character who was always charming and loveable; Catherine was briefly at times narcissistic in the second season (getting mad at Elizabeth for not believing in her when Catherine had no plans as to how to address the ramifications of freeing the serfs and people were literally being slaughtered in the halls) but this was somewhat explained as Catherine projecting her issues with her own mother not believing in her onto Elizabeth. I adore Elizabeth.

[@Kuma_kuma_bae]

Ikrr...i thought so too.. Aunt Elizabeth is in my opinion the sane one in there and knows what she's doing.

[@trinaq]

Elle looks stunning in every costume, particularly the pink dress from season 1. Unlike Bridgerton, the costumes look authentic for the time period.

[@permanentstateofawe6544]

The Great also featured POC as nobility and aristocracy before Bridgerton first came out. I think people accepted that in The Great due to the premise of the period drama admitting to the audience that it's openly not meant to be historically accurate and extremely, darkly cynical and satirical. I watched the first season of The Great first, and I was looking forward to season 2. Not to trash Bridgerton though. I had a lot of fun watching Bridgerton a couple months after the initial hype died down. I see its flaws but I enjoy it for the romantic and dramatic cheesiness that it is.

[@rats_in_a_PACK]

lol why's there a bot train

[@alexandratrifilova4369]

@@permanentstateofawe6544 actually Russian court had POC in it in reality. For example, Peter The Great (Father of Peter in the tv show and his grandfather in reality) had a minister and a general who was from West Africa.

[@permanentstateofawe6544]

@@alexandratrifilova4369 Oh yea, I totally see your point. I also mean that the POC were overtly in Peter's inner circle as aristocracy as if their race had no dictation on their rank as nobility and racism isn't a "thing" in that world, yet classism, sexism and religious hierarchy is.

[@kajamiletic3223]

@@permanentstateofawe6544 TBH it's a different beast from Bridgerton in that regard because Bridgerton openly creates an AU that's akin to the modern world in which race is a factor but not as big of a one as it would have been historically. The POC in Bridgerton still feel the need to be "model minorities" in order to be respected, even those with high social status and hereditary wealth, as shown by hot dude's father (I can't for the life of me remember the characters' names). The Great is produced in the vein of a theatre play with pretty much blind casting.

[@valmuepoppy]

i think catherine(in the show) telling the ladies of the court that they were wearing their wigs wrong was at least a nod to the fact she knows, understands, and cares about fashion. it just wasn't her main priority

[@samaralovegoodblack5775]

Yes! Exactly.

[@weefungarian3789]

I was Russian peasant #17 in the first season (died of the small pox lol) - the costuming department was great, even the lacing on someone boots was laced historically accurately even if it wasn't likely that it'll show.

[@Colinop]

thats very cool, did you get the chance to meet any of the main cast?

[@weefungarian3789]

@@Colinop Elle was walking by me a few times, but haven't talked to them no.

[@KawaiiStars]

now on parr with the man who carried the hunger games eh?

[@sweetytweety1671]

​@@KawaiiStars Take that back! No one could ever beat Charlie's character portrayal in The Hunger Games!

[@strawberrykun6136]

Tbh why isn't there a whole different category for 'historically inaccurate period drama about royalty which uses mordern music and lowkey girl-bossifies the MC' because their are so many that come to mind at this point

[@anomalily]

The irony I think with The Great is that Catherine was really far more of a girlboss than the show portrays. Like she learned russian, converted to russian orthodoxy, and managed to pull off a bloodless (ish) coup. The show portrays her as far less smart and strategic and Russian than she was (esp compared to Peter III who was also Prussian, not Russian, and obsessed with Prussia and hated Russia).

[@cherry7771]

@@anomalily It would be interesting if the show covered those parts. But I also think the choice to make Catherine less strategic and more naive also makes more sense given they made her much younger at the time of the coup.

[@motionpictures6629]

A period drama about the era from Hatshepsut to Nefertiti comes to mind. Or a Drama about Eleonora of Aquitania fighting her Husband and her own sons Prince John and Richard Lionheart. Isabella of France, fighting a civil war with the gay lover of her husband. The gay Prussian king Fredrick the great, Katrin the greats distant cousin called empress Elizabeth of Russia, Empress Maria Theresia of Austria and Madam Pompadour "The three arch whores of Europe", probably an amazing girl boss story too. The story of Alva Vanderbilt as told by Malocome Gladwell would be awesome too. history is full of crazy girl boss stories but feminist history always tries to downplay female characters in history to claim female suppression. Just read about Olga of Kiev, empress Irene of Byzantium or empress Wu Zetian. One could write a 500 years spanning transgender and women empowering story about empress widows and eunuchs running the most powerful country in the world, but that would be against the prevailing narrative.

[@cogitorium1089]

​@@motionpictures6629 It's not about claiming female suppression, it's about the fact that most media has historically belonged to straight white old rich dudes and so for years, most of mainstream media that was produced was produced for and about dudes like them. As soon as e.g. women or people of color, or LGBTQ+ people started having some power and money in studios, the different kinds of stories started being shown, finally. PS: I would 100% watch a show about Maria Theresia ruling an empire while having 16 children.

[@motionpictures6629]

@@cogitorium1089 Mary Pickford started "United Artists" in 1919. Half of the film studios are owned by rich widows for a century now. The German media landscape for example is controlled my Fride Springer and Liz Mohn, two billionaire windows, The richest person in history of Germany is Bertha Krupp, the weapons manufacturer, she was the main force behind the German will to fight WW1 and had film studios and newspapers showing her views. History is full of powerful women having influence on media. Most reading and writing was taught by females' trough out history. The whole thing isn't a gender question, it's a class question. When the Baron left for war, the boranes ruled, not the knight and men spent half their lives in war.

[@clarapilier]

I think Peter does well as a castlehusband, I believe him when he says he doesn't want Russia. He should focus in being a good husband and father. Perhaps he can advise Catherine is manner of war, but that's about it.

[@banjotiki3910]

Castlehusband 🤣🤣🤣 Why does that sound so funny?

[@MegaPokemon1997]

You know she's going to overthrow and execute him right?

[@mariad.b.6344]

@@MegaPokemon1997 an execution is an official event. Peter III was killed while imprisoned, or assassinated, but definitely not executed.

[@delpicsla65]

@@MegaPokemon1997 it’s not a historical accurate show so it’s possible they won’t go that route

[@delpicsla65]

If we’re being honest catherine is far from perfect either. She’s got good ideas but she doesn’t know how to execute them that well at times and doesn’t listen to peoples advice which was like Peter s1

[@ethanpolley1085]

The great kind of reminds me of a show we have in the uk called horrible histories. It has the same kind of brutal horrid satirical humor that we see in the great

[@DezMarivette]

I love Horrible History! But it’s quite adorable whereas The Great is pretty graphic. Cool comparison.

[@aidoll3692]

Watched it while visiting relatives. Can definitely confirm that it was enjoyable.

[@goodbye7236]

Norsemen is like that too

[@luisa_bgt372]

oh i love horrible histories! that henry viii song is simply iconic!

[@ethanpolley1085]

@@DezMarivette I agree. It’s like a more adult version of it 😂

[@RocketNinjaSlap]

The absolute irony of having the clip of Peter saying "I don't want to be Emperor" in the context of "i don't dream of labor" interrupted immediately after the line by an Amazon employment ad. Great video, thank you for sharing!!

[@alyssaortega3185]

I feel like this show is the best example of creating historically accurate costumes with modern style. Not to mention the wigs are gorgeous 😍 so often shows and movies like this scrimp on the wigs to focus on the costumes instead

[@Time2Begin]

Absolutely. Bad wigs are my biggest pet peeve in tv and film. There are so many good shows out there where the wigs look like they cost 2 bucks and came from a garage sale lmao

[@iambadatnames5809]

Just to clear things up entirely: Peter III is not only NOT Peter I's OR Peter II's son, even Peter II isn't Peter I's son, he's his grandson (and so is Peter III). Peter II was a son of Alexei, who was a son of Peter I and his first wife. Peter II didn't rule for long and died at the age of 14, not leaving any children. Now, Peter I was very Europe oriented, so much so that he straight up got rid of his first, russian wife (Alexei's mother), and married a european woman. That new woman, Catherine I, was Peter III blood grandmother. Peter I and her did have a son, also named Peter, but he died at 3, so he's not even in the line and doesn't get a number. Anyway, the thing about Peter III is that he wasn't in line to Russian throne because his mother, Peter I's daughter Anna, wasn't the empress. Her sister Elizabeth was, who had no children. Anna was married off to a european duke, Peter III's father, and Peter III was raised in Europe and shipped to Russia as a teenager when an emergency heir was needed, and wasn't he thrilled at all. Which is the main reason why he never really cared about ruling the country properly, surrendered in a war that he WON, and was later overthrown by his wife's, Catherine II, machinations. Anyway, that was a very dramatic period of russian history irl! A lot of revolt and unrest and power vacuum.

[@carag3921]

Thank you for explaining! That's super interesting!

[@hanlitwin]

Thank you for this!

[@simplykathrynrebeca]

So many Peters

Also Catherine II was only 15 yo when she married Peter, not an old lady.

[@loulouvouu]

@@simplykathrynrebeca and they are literally a reason why there were almost no Peters in Romanov family anymore. This name was considered unlucky because Peters were too chaotic

[@TaraMooknee]

LOVE this show, love the costumes and love your videos so today is a good day

[@trinaq]

Likewise, it's always a Brilliant day when Mina does a fashion analysis, especially if it's for a show/movie that you adore!

[@Neddoest]

🐄

[@lorymichelle4838]

Fav KZbinr supporting my other fav KZbinr yayyyyy

[@bina.k]

OMG HI TARA

[@roselydell957]

Aaaah two of my favorite youtubers!!

[@hypnotisized]

maybe the reason catherine wasn't wearing a veil and had an unmarried woman's hairstyle at the coronation was because she didn't want to acknowledge her relation to peter? like she wanted to start her reign as herself and not just peter's wife

[@scouttyra]

Afaik it was custom (at least in some places (iirc Queen Elizabeth I did this)) for women to have their hair loose and uncovered for their coronation.

[@annasolovyeva1013]

@@scouttyra not the thing for Russian Court, there's always an updo.

[@Sharpe1502]

I frigging love Peter. Nicholas Hoult’s comedic timing is insane. I can’t believe he can say the things he says with a straight face.

[@crisiscat]

You didn't mention the very anachronistic sportswear that Peter wore in season 1 (and Leo wore once too) for his jogging! I thought those were kinda hilarious

[@corneliastreets]

Leo wore similar clothes for his jogs around the palace! I thought of them as medieval hoodies. I'm so surprised she didn't mention them, it was such a cheeky touch

[@zarinaa1135]

But can we talk about how when Catherine cuts open her dress to reveal her stomach i was like "awesome! But her corset would definitely be covering her tummy and no way in heck did she just cut through it. But it's totally fine cause this show is so accurate in all other ways. " and then i saw in the behind the scenes that Elle WAS wearing a corset they just PUT A GREEN SCREEN OVER IT AND CGED HER STOMACH!!!!!! And award for best ever costumes goes to.......

[@nusaibatasnia7320]

The script, the costumes, the setting AND most of all the cast really makes the show so enjoyable

[@Smile-ni9nc]

Soooo Nicholas Hoult is basically playing his character in Skins, but as a Russian Czar. Nice

[@t.mutabilis2497]

he definitely wasn't a himbo in skins tho

[@calcifiedweatherfrog4945]

@Halloween All Year Round the casual way you stated he got hit by a fucking bus

[@t.mutabilis2497]

@@calcifiedweatherfrog4945 that's just how it is in the uk

[@NamiiitheDon]

Lol I peeped that too😂

[@sara5pandas]

“Girl boss x himbo romance” you’ve just described my favorite fanfic genre 😂😂

[@EmmaIsAmme]

im not too knowledgeable about historical accuracies in costuming in Russia, but the show is pretty enjoyable as a fanfic take on the royals who were honestly horribly cruel people in reality who don’t deserve to be romanticised as they often are by american/western dramas. as a politics student who has had to drag themselves through the philosophical readings that catherine mentions through the show is very hilarious on another layer because it displays this very (liberal? or at least libertarian) understanding of her position as a royal in a very girl boss type of way where she is very ignorant to the struggles of the general population she wants to help but in superficial ways.

[@tigs6639]

@Erwin Lii, maybe because it was filmed in the UK for an English speaking audience.....?? I mean, Russia and its neighbours are more than welcome to make their own series about Catherine the Great (or any part of UK/American history), in their native language and with cultural inaccuracies, just like this show. This isn't a documentary, it even makes a point of saying its 'occasionally true' i.e. It's not historically accurate. I mean, they're all speaking in a very posh English accent....would you rather the show was 100% authentic and the whole thing was spoken in Russian...? It's made for an English audience, so the actors are speaking English. (*Specifically, they're speaking with a posh accent, to show their aristocratic status. Most everyday British people's accent is not like that.) In Russia, if they want to make a series about Queen Elizabeth 1 (for example), and cast it with all Russian actors, spoken in Russian for a Russian audience... with historical inaccuracies, filmed in France instead of UK....etc....of course they can do that!! It's storytelling. Stories should be shared. It's good to learn about other cultures. 😌💕☮🌸💕 How many more people have looked into Catherine the Great *because of this show*, who would otherwise never have heard of her....? And some of those people will have watched the show because they already know some of the actors in it (that's why films use famous actors, so people will watch them....) I assume your point is that people should tell their own stories - which I agree with. Everyone should be able to tell their own stories, from their history/culture. But I don't think that should stop other people from telling the stories too. *We should be aiming for both, not either/or. More representation, not limited* Tell me if I've missed something? *Do you think the cast should have all been Russian, apart from the main character - Catherine - who was GERMAN wasn't she...??* Also *** I've seen you posted this question elsewhere in these comments, so I assume you're trying to make a point, rather than asking a genuine question? Maybe you should put that question to the casting director of the series, instead of YT comment section - if you wanted an actual answer, ask the people who made the decision, no...? 😌

[@tigs6639]

Hello again 😌 I'm really sorry if my comment sounded patronising or rude to you, honestly it wasn't intended to be. I wrote it how I thought it in my mind, but I guess it doesn't always translate the same way via text. If we'd been speaking face to face, and you could hear the tone of my voice, you would 100% know that I wasn't being unkind or rude, but I'm sorry it seemed that way. That's why I used emojis, like 😌☮🌸💕 to show what I was saying was meant with kindness. Maybe I didn't get it right? To answer your question: no, the show isn't particularly special to me or anything. I enjoyed it, I think it's brilliant and funny - but that's not the reason I gave a long reply to you. Its literally just how my brain works, once I start writing, my thoughts spill out...and before I know it, I've written lots of little paragraphs explaining what I think (evidence: it's happening again already😌) Apologies if it sounded like a rant, it wasn't meant to be, I always write long messages without realising. I also wasn't trying to undermine you, I was just explaining why I disagree. And yes, there's nothing wrong with expecting some authenticity, but I don't think Russian actors would be more authentic in this particular situation, because nobody alive now was *also* alive at the time this series is set (unless they're vampires - but I don't think many vamps go into showbiz...?!😛) All of our knowledge from that time will be from records/history books, etc....so it's not like a Russian actor would have an advantage over someone from another country - it's all historical. A Russian actor wouldn't be acting with 'authenticity' unless they also happen to be part of the Russian royal family. I do think there should be way more representation of all cultures though, but like I said, not either/or - both. I love history/mythology/folklore, and while I think it's important people can tell stories from their own culture, I don't think think it should be limited to that. When we share stories from other cultures, we understand eachother better. Which is why I don't have a problem with UK/American actors telling this Russian history story, because it's sharing the story with a wider audience. Anyway, I hope I explained myself better, and again, I'm sorry if my first message sounded rude, it really wasn't meant that way. 😌 Hope you have a good day 🌸💜

[@kinrateia]

@@tigs6639 but it's silly to say Russian actors wouldn't know Russian culture better than Western ones. Russian culture is portrayed horribly in the series. And who would you trust to write a historical Russian setting, somebody who can access Russian historical documents or not? Show could put more effort into being more authentic. It's borderline offensive to Russians sometimes, you know? That's just respect to try to avoid that

[@tigs6639]

@kinda Anastasia, hello 😌 Yeah I agree, it would be silly to say Russian actors wouldn't know *Russian culture* better than western ones - and that's not what I said. I said, Russian actors who are alive now, don't live the same life as when this show is set. So by default, anyone acting in this show has not lived the authentic life of the characters it depicts. (They're all acting. Even if they were Russian, they'd still be acting) By the same logic, would you say someone from the uk would be inherently better at playing Queen Elizabeth the first? My answer - not necessarily. Because the people living now, don't live in Tudor times. They would be acting, based on knowledge of the past - same as this show. You asked who I'd trust to write a historical Russian setting - my answer is: anyone with access to history books. Whether they're Russian or not is not the most important thing, anyone can access history, lots of people in the uk are very interested in Russian history, and worldwide history. Likewise, I'm sure there are Russians who aren't that interested in history, who would know less than someone from outside Russia who studied the history in depth. Also, I'm interested in which bits are offensive to Russians, could you give me examples please? I've read other people comment about it showing the population not being able to read, or women dressing uncomfortably for the sake of men - are they the things you mean? Because in the uk, I think that would be seen as a joke about 'the past' rather than specifically commenting on Russia? We make jokes like that about our own history too. We have shows like Horrible Histories that uses humour like this to teach kids history. It's not being mean, it's just showing differences, with a good intention. I personally don't think this show was trying to be offensive about Russian history, but I'm also not entirely sure what the offensive things are meant to be, so do tell me please. (P.S. I have said, but I'll repeat it, I'm absolutely in favour of more, more, moreeee diversity and representation. There should be more oppurtunities for different types of stories to be told, by different people.) peace&love🌸

[@kinrateia]

@@tigs6639 I am not going to go into this too deep, but yeah, what you said and much more. Culture of the past impacts culture of the present. Even an average, not history-knowing Russian will probably know culture of the past Russia better than a foreigner because of the media we are exposed to. Even most uneducated on matters of history Russians in Russian community mention cringing immediately at the whole setup. We *know* how this is wrong, because our culture raised us to know the right way. It's not just about details, the whole image is crooked to those who know Russian culture in more detail. Foreign slavicists mention this too, so it's not just Russians. Show made the awfulest research they could. And about offensiveness - the whole premise is "how different Russia is from Europe". Of course Russians feel it's directed at Russians, the whole show tells the joke like it is. And there are a lot of stereotypes already anyways, and the fact that American service is making it doesn't help, because they are more prejudiced. Imagine this being a show about a period of Japan or Kingdom of Zimbabwe. How'd you feel?

[@banbasafro]

even as someone who is a STICKLER for historical accuracy when it comes to russian history ... this show manages to make their inaccuracies enjoyable, mostly because it doesn't pose to be correct, just funny and beautiful to watch! i will still be waiting for a catherine and orlov arc however.

[@Kelly_C]

noooooo I was so mad when they undid him being asexual cus there are like, three asexual characters in anything ever

[@banbasafro]

@@Kelly_C lol they could've made peter asexual! historical accuracy

[@astrokits]

YES, PLEASE. I'm so done with other kinds of romances. Himbo x girl boss is so difficult to find in any sort of fiction, even in fanfiction. I'm gonna watch The Great like right now.

[@kajamiletic3223]

Have you read Open Hearts by Eve Dangerfield. It's a romance novel that's my go-to example for himbo x girl boss

[@astrokits]

@@kajamiletic3223 THANK YOU FOR THE RECOMMENDATION. So blessed.

[@kajamiletic3223]

@@astrokits I hope you enjoy it! It's very well-written and starts off in the same vein of the heroine being disdainful of the himbo hero but using him for sex. However the hero is way kinder than Peter :)

[@melobski4]

@@kajamiletic3223 thank you! Gotta read it too

[@AmelieMews]

Can´t get over the fact of how gorgeous you look with red hair😍 💝😊

[@cinnamon9390]

piggybacking to ask if anyone knows where the bodice came from, it is SO cute and I must have one

[@mattlibra3139]

Something interesting I’ve noticed is that Marial is often an outfit repeater. She specifically tends to rewear that blue green and grey checkered dress. I wonder if it’s to symbolize how after she was stripped of her noble title she didn’t have that many dresses to wear and could only have a few for herself. Edit: in episode four and six she wears the same dress as well! It has gold flowers on it with green stripes, as well as a marigold choker in episode four which interestingly enough isn’t present in episode six

[@idantriangle9866]

Me as someone who knows Russian and studied in Russian school learning about Catherine the great watched Russian historical drama and fell really bad about this American version after watching the trailer, especially the way they misinterpreted Russian style of life, traditions etc. But after your video I think I will give it a try

[@vysharra]

They’ve been really obvious that it isn’t historically accurate, even more so than Reign. My favorite departure is how they keep mentioning Catherine’s many sisters, and it affects her character a lot. Real Catherine only had one sibling, a boy, so they’ve really made this character unique.

[@AW-uv3cb]

I watched the first episode or two and I kind of hated it (and I usually have pretty low standards for costume movies and don't expect complete faithfulness). I think I approached it from a bad angle: I was expecting a more typical historical drama and maybe didn't quite get that the ridiculousness was intended. So I should give it another go and I might end up loving it after all! That said, my annoyance was of the kind I feel when I see yet another scene with corsets worn over naked body and characters complaining that they can't breathe in them but they have to wear them because men won't like them otherwise - the point of those scenes seems to be that "oh my god, look how bad women had it in the past, people were so stupid, WE"RE NOT LIKE THAT ANYMORE!". Basically making ourselves feel better at the expense of the past (in this case it doesn't help that it's an American series about Russia). "The Great" gave me the same vibe with scenes like Russian ladies supposedly not being allowed to read - like... what?! While absurd, it's also conceivable that some audiences will actually take it at face value. So it could be regarded as a case study in the "Past people stooopid. The past baaaad" school of moviemaking. Except this time it's even worse: "Past Russian people even stoopider. The Russian past even baaaaader"! "The Favourite" was very different because, while also satirical, it didn't actually look down at its own characters and their historical context. So, I'll give "The Great" another go and see if I can see it in a different light this time, but I'm not quite holding my breath.

[@allisonv1521]

Definitely do! It’s approached in such a non-serious way that it’s easy to enjoy. It’s clear that it’s not trying to be historically accurate (the title card to each episode even says “an occasionally true story”) so you don’t end up spending the whole time being annoyed at historical inaccuracies, you can just get into the plot of the show.

[@ariyatabassumabdullah1143]

i mean, they do say that it's historically inaccurate in the beginning of every.single.episode

[@k.a._135]

@@AW-uv3cb if you watch it in the lens that its an alternate universe (AU), fanfiction or just a fictional story that so happen to have main characters with the names peter and Catherine. So *Basically disregard all history.* The only thing you need to focus on are the characters and how they interact with eachother. I am not Russian or a historian, but I still dont take the scenes as accurate at all nor do I think this is what Russia was like. *I only focus on the characters* & that is essentially what makes the show very entertaining. Light hearted, satirical comedy with characters wearing clothes from a different time period. I also think if you know too much of how it really was like, it would be hard to watch ( I know doctors who cant take greys anatomy seriously because its known for how inaccurate it is )

[@audreymarie7938]

Honestly S2 was everything I hoped for, it really made me like a lot of characters I didn't think I would. Archie is the character I didn't think I would ever like and he ended up being one of my favorites. Aunt Elizabeth wasn't one of my favorites but I really liked her in S2, It might be because I felt like I understood her a bit better. Maxim is so freaking cute, he completely stole my heart in the short time he was shown. I love how they allowed him to act like a kid instead of a mini adult, I hope we see more of him next season. I'm so glad you covered this show!

[@NamiiitheDon]

Yess agree with all of that. I never thought I’d like Archie but they managed to make it happen

[@DanielleVlog365]

Yes! Dude, Archie is disgusting, yet Season 2 made me super glad they did not kill him because he is turning into a really interesting grey character. I'm sure in future seasons I will once again loathe him, then like him over and over, which is fun. And yeah, the kid is adorable.

[@blastypie]

In many ironic comedy shows the kids are always acting like adult for the shock factor and haha funny kid said adult words. But I'm glad they didn't treat Maxim like that bad just let him be a kid, while still being funny.

[@salliejoyner9751]

I agree Aunt Elizabeth really grew on me as did Archie. I hated Archie the first season but it just proves how good the writers are that they made me actually enjoy his subplots. Marial didn’t grow on me as it seemed that she hadn’t really changed since the season 1 finale (telling Catherine what Peter had done in a rather harsh way that was definitely for her sake rather than Catherine’s) but the writers made up for it by giving both her and Grigor some great scenes during the last few episodes where they could really show their acting skills. I’ll admit they did a great job of turning characters who had previously been Catherine and Peter’s sidekicks/enablers into compelling characters by demonstrating how they themselves view their positions. They got great actors, the guy who played the Sultan was brilliant for the one scene he was in; they did a great analysis of how the system punished even those who seemingly had benefited the most from it. I think the writers are brilliant and am very excited for the next season.

[@cgm530]

marial's wardrobe this season has been beyond gorgeous. i'm in love with her ribbon chokers and colour palettes.

[@r_incaid]

saying it as a russian, the way you pronounce "сарафан" (sarafan) is SO CUTE! i was against watching this show, pretty historically inaccurate and borderline offensive to our culture, but if i treat it like a petr/ekaterina fanfiction, then yeah. the video is great as always, you're brilliant. thank you for your work 💝💝💝💝

[@AW-uv3cb]

Yeah, I think treating it as a fanfic is probably a good way to approach it... I tried watching a couple of episodes and I also thought it was a bit offensive to the past in general and to the Russian culture specifically (I'm Polish, btw). Not because you can't satirise the past, but because the way they satirised it (in the bits I saw) was like something that some ignorant people might actually think (like Russian court ladies not being allowed to read and bears in the ballroom and whatnot!). Satire should challenge our preconception, but this seemed like it meant to reinforce them!

[@defiantender]

Yea I agree I wish it focused on just mocking the royals but instead it also makes fun of Russians and Russian culture being "backwards"

[@melodi996]

It's a pity there're not many historically accurate shows to watch, all I know of are really old, now all we get is modrn propaganda but centuries ago. So, everyone can visit palaces and other places from the period, seeing where royals slept, but having little idea on how they actually behaved as real human beings.

[@Natalyflyer]

I love the show a lot, it's hilarious, wish more people were open to watching it. Costumes - amazing! No one tries to pretend they are doing it historically (ehem The Reign and Bridgerton)

[@alexandraczarniak8553]

@@melodi996 Eкатерина is a much more accurate show specifically about ekaterina, ive watched all three seasons and i truly loved them, its also in russian and was made in 2013 or so i think so its not too old (also subbed in english for the non russian speakers)

[@lizziebassett15]

you are GLOWING! your hair, lipstick, setting, EVERYTHING

[@trinaq]

Indeed, Mina always looks so effortlessly gorgeous! 😍💄

[@diamondcentury21]

Who else thinks Peter’s pearl necklace is a moment? 😍

[@lorayuhofthelake7255]

I was positively OBSESSED with these costumes. It was most of the reason I watched the show. Also side note I felt Peter's actor looked fantastic in the pearls. I understand the twisted trauma behind it, but that aside as a fashion statement it was glorious.

[@demsupremacist3238]

peter wearing the pearl necklace played a role in my growing sympathy for him. i didn't even realize the necklace was his mother's, but somehow i felt like it was a demonstration of his sensitivity

[@joem221]

i love the little detail of the title sequence changing to *an almost entirely untrue story in the last episode of season 2

[@sarahe1491]

Oh I'm obsessed with the gorgeous costumes in this show and the show itself is awesome!

[@pixiedust6347]

i would argue that aunt elizabeth *does* focus on her demeanor / care about how she presents herself. She delicately modifies her personality to better fit the social atmosphere of the monarch. she carefully words her advices to catherine / peter, much of what she says has a double meaning, i think she immerses herself into this "eccentric, crazy but charming" lady role to weaken herself as an opponent to other monarchs. she is more than capable of leading russia, she is educated and very perceptive, however she chooses not to showcase her intelligence, otherwise she would be seen as a threat. her persona assists her motives to protect peter + aid catherine, everything she does is strategic. her character being reduced to a "unique, fun loving aunt" enfeebles the depth of her character, however, many ppl perceiving her as only this eccentric figure was her goal in the first place

[@magdadom2505]

True. I think it is hinted subtly in the scene when she's looking on Peter's mother mummy and Katherine is coming, they talk a little, she claims that she adored Peter's mother, but when Katherine goes away she immediately spits on the mummy with disdain on her face... This scene was showing that her whole attitude is a mask which she constantly and purposefully keeps in order to manipulate others

[@rosalobo4968]

I do miss Marial's maid clothes. Her stays are so beautiful and I love the angular way that the servants tend to tie their hair scarves.

[@icyboi13]

This show is bonkers & amazing. I constantly think of the moment in season one when the aunt teaches Katherine about screaming in the woods.

[@miapendragon5931]

One of the things I’ve noticed (and I haven’t even watched all the show) is that they keep the correct silhouettes, and so the fact that they sometimes use very obviously modern printed fabric, does not matter. Similar to the way The Favourite utilised modern materials, but the correct look. This is the kind of costume liberty and interpretation I love to see, not just the overdone “oh we weren’t trying to be a historical documentary” excuse 😊

[@nyxldx]

I absolutely love the show! the costumes are gorgeous, the cast is talented and it embraces the chaoticness. Unlike Reign, which was also heavily inaccurate it tried to still sell the "history drama" genre. Meanwhile The Great embraces it's inaccuracies and make it entertaining. I really hope they'll go full alternative history next season

[@KatharineOsborne]

I just have to say that aubergine is pronounced O-ber-zheen. It is French for eggplant. I just wish this show was available in the UK so I could see season 2 😭

[@jackie9397]

Thank you 😭 she mispronounced a lot in this one 🥺

[@tigs6639]

I think it will be out in UK in December, on channel 4 (like series 1 was)? Really looking forward to it.....it's gonna be GREATTTTT 😊👏🏼👏🏼

[@KatharineOsborne]

@@jackie9397 Agreed, but I didn't want to seem catty and point everything out. I don't think people should feel shame for it. I think this happens a lot when people are well read, but don't have a lot of conversations involving the vocabulary.

[@gerileemakes]

I love the show, and others like it. They inspire me to learn about the true history of these figures and the fashion of the time, but are just fun watches. The acting and the chemistry between the two leads is too good for them to kill off Peter anytime soon, and I think when they do it won't be by Catherine's hand or plotting.

[@fishking4000]

I need to watch this show! I just read Robert K. Maddie's biography of Catherine the Great, and this seems like such a fun, playful interpretation of the history. Catherine the Great and her husband were actually both German and essentially hand-picked to be the next emperor and empress by the childless Empress Anne. Peter hated Russian culture and custom and was a fanboy (like an almost literal fanboy) of the HATED Prussian King, with whom Russia was perpetually at war. When Anne died, he cancelled an ongoing war with Prussia and ceded a bunch of territory to them. He was enormously unpopular, while Catherine had devoted herself to the Russian Orthodox faith and made a public show of being the MOST Russian (again, she was German and had only started learning the Russian language after arriving in St. Petersburg). She was extremely well read, an enlightenment thinker, and immediately reversed Peter's reforms and restored the Russian-ness of the Russian Empire. She was a milf who gatekeep, gaslight, girlbossed her way onto the Russian throne.

[@liv97497]

I'm stopping now before the season 2 bit because I haven't watched it yet but let me say my FAVORITE thing about the costuming on this show is how it's SO in tune with the tone. I think for this specific show it makes so much sense to mix modern + historical, and it could never be costumed in a way that was trying to achieve historical accuracy. One of my favorite bits is when Peter is jogging one morning and he's wearing something that looks like a hoodie, but in historical looking fabrics. It's like the pink dress, it perfectly encapsulates the vibe of the whole show.

[@juliagularte5722]

omg i've JUST watched the great and i was so sad that there were no videos about the costumes! im so happy now

[@RuletheWorldwithsong]

Have you noticed that the palace used in “the favorite” and the palace used in “the great” are the same? It makes sense now that I know they have the same writer

[@mwv1217]

I haven't watched this show yet but what I see from other KZbin videos The costuming deviates a little in the hair and makeup with Peter's hair and also the King of Sweden. I liked quite a few things with her traditional crown setup which felt a little 1920s but still youthful and refreshing even if it wasn't period. She also had a custom made Versace dress that had similar art to what Gianni Versace incorporated as well as traditional Russian art influences

[@ems0up]

I was literally JUST thinking 'Why haven't I heard Mina's voice in so long?!' - happy to see you've uploaded today! Love watching your videos while I sip my morning coffee 😊

[@jamierussellville101]

Ive watched a lot of Catherine the Great stuff and I have to say Elizabeth is the hardest one to watch on the show. She was so strong and vain in real life and a very powerful empress. The rest of the characters while wildly historical inaccurate still keep to their general personalities or figures in the court. It took me a minute to love it, but by half way through I loved it. While a bit raunchy, the sets and costumes and writing really shine.

[@alisonjane7068]

i'm so beyond tired of grim-dark, and i adored the favourite, so this show sounds like a perfect fit for me. i guess i have no choice but to watch it now.

[@andreacalderon2995]

I found fascinating people shipping Catherine and Pete. (Spoiler alert) Like he really tried to kill her, killed her lover and MOTHER. Now just because he is happy to be a father all of that should be forgiven? the bar for men is soooo low 🤣🤣

[@silverkyre]

I think its just about the fact that they have great chemistry and the actors play well of each other. But yeah i dont like it either lol

[@solangemorell2048]

People ship them because they have amazing chemistry. We all know they’re super toxic for each other, but Elle Fanning herself has said she ships it, so if the actress playing Catherine herself does it, why shouldn’t we??? lol 😂

[@cgm530]

i think any attempt to apply irl standards of morality to that show is destined to fail lol

[@andreacalderon2995]

@@cgm530 yeah i agree and disagree with that. Because it is beyond morality. The writers make him unredeemable. They pushed it too far.I still enjoy their chemistry , but I just don’t buy that Catherine would have any love for him. But also, I don’t want to take it too seriously, I understand why people like it, it is pretty good fan fiction.

[@andreacalderon2995]

@@solangemorell2048 yeah they do have amazing chemistry! people seems to enjoy it and they should, it is a great show!

[@brynniefresh9746]

I’m a huge supporter of Catherine and Peter his character development this season was amazing and I love that it took time for Catherine to get over leo, then tolerate Peter, like Peter, and finally towards the very end she realizes she loves him it was very natural and sweet

[@lexiopitz3904]

My favorite set design detail was the giant mirror in one of the rooms they frequent. It was gorgeous, gold, huge, and looked historically accurate.

[@DanieOz]

My husband and I watched The Great during quarantine last year, it was spectacular!

[@firstflowerinspace]

I WAS SO DESPERATE FOR SOMEONE TO DO THIS I’M SO GLAD IT’S MINA

[@whatkindofnameisella682]

i loved this analysis so much but i have to give a shout out to my man orlo. absolute favorite character of all time and an actual well thought out exploration of asexuality which i have literally NEVER seen in ANY show before.

[@kiikat]

To answer your closing question, LOVE this show - hilarious, great writing, throughly entertaining, and such loveable characters

[@xessenceofinsanityx]

I haven't watched this yet because though I'm a huge fan of Catherine the Great (we stan a powerful woman in this house 😍) and I've heard about the inaccuracies and it doesn't seem to do her justice. She was a genius and a master manipulator. Her mother treated her like dirt because she was female and thought Catherine would never amount to anything, so Catherine went and became Empress 🤷‍♀️

[@JustHereForCats]

Aunt Elizabeth was my absolute favorite character from the moment she entered the show. I was delighted by everything about her character as far as her demeanor and style. I really loved Nicolas Holt playing his body double, as well. That was such a small, but entertaining creative choice.

[@annes.3202]

ahh, i'm so excited to see your review! the great is one of the few shows about my country(yes, i'm russian!) and not only is Catherine the Great my favorite empress, but 18th century in general is one of the eras(in terms of fashion) that i'm especially interested in. unfortunately, my parents don't let me watch the series since i'm only 13, so i'm glad i can watch this)

[@Barsookmik]

У тебя прекрасный английский!

[@annes.3202]

@@Barsookmik спасибо💌

[@Alice-ib4cz]

This show has got to have some of the most beautiful costuming I’ve ever seen. I’m stunned by all of Catherine’s fits every time! And the show is also so hilarious I love it

[@keiley99]

This show is so underrated I would love to see you make a video on the duchess starring Kiera knightly about Georgina Spencer

[@kitj3301]

i’m kind of shocked by how many people thought this show was supposed to be historically accurate, i read some people even thought it was offensive but i don’t think anyone actually thinks this is how people acted, it’s a hilariously ridiculous show

[@robotdowney]

It's because of the title also Russians been talking about being fed up with caricature Russians through the years so this felt like mocking their feelings and I understand. Even though I love the favorite and this kind of humor too.

[@kitj3301]

@@robotdowney i mean americans are annoyed by how the world portrays us but people still make caricatures of us and we can still laugh about it especially if it’s so over the top it’s obvious it’s not serious

[@notdipperpines6626]

Honestly I think the show should fully just come out and say it's a historical AU cause I dont want peter to die, let him live his himbo life

[@lovesplus3879]

I binged half of season one, now I have to catch up on the rest of this. Also the favorite and the great, has sent me on a worm hole of racial/sexual/etc history in these countries. And it’s so refreshing, scratches my art history degree humor so good.

[@nskfsr]

I LOVE THIS SHOW. And I kinda ship Catherine and Peter too. I love that Catherine is vulnerable, romantic, sometimes silly but still a girlboss. And I love Peter's stupid and shallow perspective it's just so funny. They're a good match.

[@teraphIl1000]

Yay, I'm so happy you made a video on The Great! I *LOVE* it, and with the release of season 2, I was wondering if you'd ever cover it. I absolutely adore the costuming in this show and I had a hunch there was a lot of storytelling going on with it that I was missing out on because I don't have the sartorial knowledge. Thanks, Mina!

[@Sylviethevegetarian]

I love this show. The characters/dialogue are so impeccably written. It really feels like an escape.

[@Marie-cq5td]

Peter is a character you love to hate, until you hate to love him. He’s kinda like a puppy that peed on the rug ,or tore up the funiture whilst you where out, and when you scold him he just kinda tilt his puppy head in confusion.

[@AutumnRusso]

FINALLY!! This show needs to be talked about more 😍😍

[@alexandraczarniak8553]

if you want to watch an accurate depiction of catherine the great watch the russian show екатерина (subtitled in english), the costumes and sets are also BEAUTIFUL. i really think watching it in russian makes it feel a lot more authentic

[@MRosezhahira]

My friend has been pushing for me to watch this show and I certainly will now! It sounds amazing and I LOVED The Favourite! I wish there were more silly/satirical period dramas

[@HBOMAXtvmoviesyoutube]

When Catherine said “Peter is my great love” like I’m sawry but I’m gonna need them to be endgame I see the Peter+ Catherine vision yaas😍💅🏻

[@good4ubella894]

LOVE this show. so unique. incredible costumes, chemistry & script. great video, Mina❤️

[@mjhobbit9419]

I absolutely loved every minute of this show! It's so good, even though it is historically all over the place. I hope you cover her outfits in the third season! 😁

[@fl0rge]

It's okay that you love Peter! He is an awesome character and antagonist!

[@katyachai1634]

If anyone is interested in a more historically accurate show about her you can watch the Russian one "Екатерина" (Ekaterina). It has a more serious and tragic approach to the history

[@bellablue6818]

This show is excellent because the cast is excellent!! I absolutely agree that I disliked Peter all around, and then after watching the show a second time, he became my favorite character

[@lenarushing460]

Another great period series with amazing costumes is Harlots! I wish it got a season 3 but would still LOVE to see you do a video on it.

[@valenzine9423]

i finished season two and RAN to watch this video and I'm a little disappointed you didn't mention the dress Catherine wears when she's told peter killed her mother, she was radiant when she's introduced in that dress bc she's so in love with him and as soon as she finds out what he did she wears a all red cape over the dress and I thought that was such good touch

[@Alexia-vi7gp]

Peter and Catherine’s relationship was super fun throughout this season

[@majasekowska3857]

i absolutely loved the elles outfit during season finale, esp when the white dress was covered in blood and her hairstyle was gorgeous

[@randomchick901]

So glad you’re talking about this show!!! It’s an absolute joy to watch and deserves more attention

[@dra2521]

This show is a prime example of taking creative liberties the RIGHT way because it's clear from what exact fashion periods and aesthetics they're deviating from

[@Moon__Bunny__]

Came for the costume design discussion, stayed for the Peter the Himbo stanning ♡

[@liallialcroc]

Thank you for bringing attention to this show! Wish more people would watch and talk about Hulu’s show Harlots as well as this show

[@Frapjist]

I'M SO HAPPY you're documenting the beautiful costuming work done on this show. I have been waiting for a costuming youtuber to make a video since I saw the first episode

[@zojaw4721]

YOU BETTER DO A HOUSE OF GUCCI VIDEO NEXT! I screamed when you mumbled it because I didn't know it was inaccurate!

[@PeaceLoveSAJ]

We are synched I literally just started binging this! What an absolutely delightful and sartorially minded series I am obsessed !!!

[@anikaesther5463]

I’m so happy for this video!!! I loooove this show, and I’m glad I’m not alone in shipping Catherine and Peter this season. I hated myself for it as I watched their relationship unfold, but I also can’t help but love a girl boss/himbo pairing and their chemistry is electric on screen. I just don’t see them having a happily ever after everything that went down this season, but man can I dream hahaha

[@shannongabriella]

I hooopee this show gets more recognition!! I'm literally so obsessed with the story line, I even ask all my friends to watch them as well 😅. I'm seriously hoping for many more seasons to come bcs same as you, I ship Peter and Catherine, so much in fact. They're just the best toxic couple ever. 🥲 Thankyou so much for making this video, I got blown away at all of your observation abt the fashion, esp the one where Catherine uses more warm tone colors when she's in love with Peter. I wouldn't have even have the ability to think as far as that. 😅

[@redv.402]

omg i can't believe i didn't a notification for this bc its like all my favorite things in one: mina, the great, and costume design commentary hehe

[@MK-pp4of]

I see how you’re excited and happy to do costume analysis!! I’m so glad that you take joy from it❤️ Great video btw!! Have a nice day

[@laur.s.9214]

Honestly favorite period drama and so so so glad you covered it. I also love the winter looks that they did with the characters!

[@margheritacassinari5778]

Loved the show and the costumes were incredible!! Can’t wait for season 3, if they film it. And I also ship Peter and Catherine. I love Peters devotion to Catherine

[@Alyboba]

So happy to see someone talking about this show!! It’s so underrated! I’m glad the costumes are getting the recognition they deserve!!!!!

[@mayagabby13]

I’m so happy you talked about this show, I love it I think it’s so hilarious and yes, there just something about a girlboss and himbo relationship that just does it for me lol