Film Overview

Anna's Army explores the current explosion of Russian talent on the women's professional tennis tour. Maria Sharapova shocked the world last summer when she became the first Russian to win Wimbledon at just seventeen years of age. And yet, Maria is just one part of a tidal wave of fiercely competitive and attractive Russians taking over the game. Annas Army explores the Odyssey these girls have taken from harsh Soviet origins to their glamorous, globe-trotting lifestyles. In the process, the film covers the bizarre and largely unknown history of Russian tennis, the galvanizing impact of Anna Kournikova and Boris Yeltsin and the turbulent events that have molded the best players in the game. Interesting side notes include historic footage and photos of the last Russian Tsar and Soviet leaders playing tennis, rare footage of today's stars training together as little kids, and a comical Boris Yeltsin during a heated match. The film features a section on the Slavic femme fatales' marketing successes and status as cross-over icons in fashion and culture. Coverage of the Russian training system shown on this DVD hints that we may be seeing many more Russian players competing in the top ranks for years to come. For more information about this film, please visit www.annasarmy.com.