Nicholas & Alexandra (1971) · 105 quotes
3rd most-quoted character in Nicholas & Alexandra (1971): in 10 of its 105 quotes
Most scenes with: Alexandra (3)
I studied late to be a starets. I was twenty when this vision came. We peasants get them all the time. The Virgin Mary appears to us. She tells us when to sell our sheep when we want to make a profit. She told me to start walking; so I did. I kept walking throughout Europe and I waited for Her to tell me when to stop walking, but she did not. When I got to Greece, I could walk no more: so I resided in a monastery for two years and then proceeded to walk back to Russia again. Sometimes people ask me "What do I need to become a starets?" and I respond "Good feet."
Rasputin I knew a woman in Pokrovskoe. That's my home, a little village in Siberia. And this woman, she was so afraid of strangers that she bought herself a pinewood box and lived in it. Then, one day, her husband nailed the lid on, dug a hole, and dropped her into it. "Ivan, don't!" she cried. "But I only want to make you happy," he said. "I know, but Heaven's full of strangers. Let me out."
Rasputin I started late to be a starets. I was twenty when this vision came. We peasants get them all the time. The Virgin comes and tells them when to sell their sheep if they want to make a profit. She told me to become a pilgrim, so I started to walk. I waited for Her to tell me when to stop, but she didn't. I walked two thousand miles, and when I got to Greece, I couldn't walk any further, so I stopped. I spent two years in a monastery, and then I walked home again. Sometimes, people say to me, "What do I need to become a starets?" And I say, "Good feet."
Rasputin I see blood when I shut my eyes. A lot of blood. I saw blood once before, when I was in Jerusalem. And then my father died. In Kazan, there is an ivory Christ whose wounds bleed. Someone told me there's a Madonna in Kharkov that sheds real tears. Matushka, I see things. I have power. I cure the sick. Holy men kneel to me and kiss my hands. I am a vessel of the Lord. I have spoken with God. It must be so. How else can I do these things? I save souls and bring peace. God leads me. He brought me here. He speaks through me. I am the voice of God. It is His will. I have been sent to do great things.
Rasputin: All saints were sinners once. God loves sinners.
Alexandra: Then why is He killing my baby?
Rasputin: We had a man in Pokrovskoe. He didn't wash or work. He lied, stole, cheated, drank, chased all the women. He was a sinner. Why, out of all men, did the Virgin come to him?
Alexandra: Perhaps he lied. You said he was a liar.
Rasputin: No. She came. I saw her. I know all there is to know about sin. Pray with me, Matushka. God is here.
Rasputin Batushka Tsar.
Rasputin Matushka, why are you afraid?
Why am I what?!
Rasputin I think you are frightened. Strangers frighten you. There was a case back in Pokrovskoe. That is my home; it is a little village in Siberia. There was a woman who was so frightened of strangers that she bought herself a pinewood box and lived in it. One day her husband buried the box with her in it. "Ivan, don't!", she cried. Her husband responded "I only want to make you happy". She said "I know, I know. But Heaven is full of strangers. Let me out!"
My decision stands. I have seen your conduct in public. I have read the reports. I am seeing you as a matter of courtesy, the same as I would for any of my ministers or like members of court. If you have come to plead...
Grigori Rasputin I have come to say goodbye.
Tsar is somewhat taken aback that Rasputin wants to leave of his own volition
Grigori Rasputin I don't like Saint Petersburg. It makes me drink. And when I drink, the women come on to me. I know these peasant women but in Petersburg, whew! I am homesick for Pokrovskoe. Is Matushka upset with me?
She will not so much admit you take a drink, let alone...No.
Grigori Rasputin She is a saint. If you need me while I am gone, just pretend that I am there. I only sit and listen anyway.
Good day, and may the Lord be with you.
Rasputin And the Lord be with you! [laughs]
[The nun frantically crosses herself at seeing such a vulgar sight]
"I know there is supposed to be a proper arrangement of the saints. Now I cannot even remember all their names."
Rasputin "It does not matter Matushka (Mother of the Russian people), they know you."
Rasputin "God works in mysterious ways, Matushka. There was a man in Prokovskoe. He did not work or wash himself. He drank, he stole, he lied, he chased after all the peasant girls. Why then, of all people, did the Virgin Mary come to him?
"Maybe he lied. You said he was a liar."
Rasputin "No, Matushka', she came. I saw her. God is here. Pray with me, Matushka.
[A large open area. Alexander Kerensky is with a group of men protesting the Russo-Japanese War] Men (shouting in unison): "NO!"
"More men! Port Arthur falls and Nicholas is sending more men!"
Men (shouting in unison): "NO!"
"I say we students lead the way!"
Men (shouting in unison): "YEAH!"
"I say we give Nicholas a Port Arthur right here!"
Men (shouting in unison): "YEAH!"
"They are coming for us. Now, do we run or do we fight?"
Men (shouting in unison): "WE FIGHT!"
[Kerensky and the men rush the soldiers; who proceed to club the men for their resistance to conscription. Kerensky is knocked to the floor]
