Amidst the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, one might easily forget the existence of numerous Russian war films produced over the years. While some movies have focused on the plight of refugees or been filmed in Ukraine, Russia has a rich history of war cinema, dating back to World War II and the Eastern Front.
If you’re a fan of war movies, you won’t want to miss these 3 cinematic gems.
1. Come and See (1985)
This Russian war film was directed by Elem Klimov. The film is set during the Nazi occupation of Belarus during World War II and follows the journey of a young Belarusian boy named Florya who joins the resistance. Florya witnesses firsthand the atrocities committed by the Germans and becomes increasingly disillusioned with the war as he struggles to survive. The film is known for its powerful and emotionally devastating portrayal of the effects of war on civilians. It was a major critical and commercial success and is widely considered one of the greatest war films ever made.
2. The Cranes are Flying (1957)
This Russian war film was directed by Mikhail Kalatozov. The film is set during World War II and tells the story of a young couple, Veronica and Boris, whose relationship is strained by the war. Veronica’s brother, Mark, is drafted into the military and goes missing in action, causing Veronica and Boris to grow apart as they struggle to deal with the loss. The film is notable for its powerful performances and its emotionally charged story, and it was a major critical and commercial success. It won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and is widely considered a classic of Russian war films.
3. Alexander Nevsky (1938)
It is a historical film directed by Sergei Eisenstein, one of the pioneers of Russian cinema. The film tells the story of Alexander Nevsky, a 13th-century prince who led the Russian people to victory against the invading Teutonic Knights. The film is notable for its sweeping battle scenes and its use of music by Sergei Prokofiev. It is considered a classic of Soviet cinema and was widely hailed for its propaganda value at the time of its release. The film was a major success in the Soviet Union and has been widely praised for its historical accuracy and its depiction of the Russian people’s struggle against foreign invaders. It remains one of the most well-known and influential films in the history of Russian cinema.
