Stephen the Great - Vaslui 1475

Plot

In 1474, the Ottomans demand passage and tribute from Moldavia on their way to invade western Europe. Moldavia's king, Stephan, objects and mobilizes his subjects to raise an army, while sending emissaries seeking help from other Christian nations. At the same time, Stephen arranges for the relocation of the relatives of his defeated rival, Radu the Handsome, who are being held hostage in Moldavia. Stephen also intervenes in the kidnapping of Marusca, a noblewoman, by a dejected suitor, sending his forces to rescue her and detain her abductor. After Marusca is rescued, Stephen gives his blessing for her to marry Simion, a scion of his faithful noble followers the Jder family. Simion and Marusca bear a child as Simion, his brothers and father join Stephen to battle.

Stephen orders a scorched-earth policy to starve the Ottomans making their way to the Moldavian capital Suceava. At the last minute, the Ottomans decide to face Stephen in the fields of Vaslui rather than seize Suceava outright. On the day of the battle, heavy fog impedes both sides movements, but Stephen orders his forces to feign a retreat from a key bridge to lure to Ottomans into a trap. His maneuver works, and the Ottomans are routed but with heavy losses on both sides, including the male Jders. As the Ottoman commanders are punished in Constantinople, Stephen gives a eulogy at the battlefield honoring the fallen.

Cast

Gheorghe Cozorici - Stephen the Great

Gheorghe Dinică - Sultan Mehmed II

Violeta Andrei - Maria of Mangop, Stephen's wife

Toma Dimitriu - Stanciu, Stephen's advisor

Sandina Stan - Lady Ilisafta

Geo Barton - Nobleman Manole Jder

Anna Széles - Marusca, Daughter of Iatco Hudici

Iurie Darie - Nobleman Simion Jder

Sebastian Papaiani - Nobleman Ionut Jder

Emanoil Petrut - Orthodox Monk Nicodim

Ioana Dragan - Candachia

Florin Piersic - Nobleman Cristea Jder

Draga Olteanu Matei - Midwife Irina

Dina Cocea - Sultana Mara