Historical drama. The continuation of the first picture "The Way to Saturn" of the same year of release, which is based on the real biography of Soviet intelligence officer Alexander Ivanovich Kozlov, and also in this picture the memories of another of our intelligence officers Grigory Fedorovich Grigorenko were taken (a real legend of the NKVD-MGB-KGB, whose service and exploits are directly begging for a separate series). Meanwhile, the marathon of Soviet film intelligence officers of the Great Patriotic War continues. And here's my brief opinion on the second part - How Kramer's Saturn scout won. I want to note right away that there is not a single minus in the picture (because Soviet post-war equipment and a lousy quality picture (which urgently needs restoration) are not considered as cons). Therefore, I will focus your attention on the advantages of this magnificent military drama.
So, here they are:
1. Scenario - January 1942. The German army has just suffered its first major defeat in World War II. The High Command (especially Hitler himself) blamed the Abwehr for this failure, which is why this organization will have to comprehensively identify its mistakes and regain the trust of Hitler and the army. And our hero Kramer in these troubled years (1942-1944) will not only disrupt the Saturn sabotage in the Soviet rear, but also paralyze this center, and through it - the Supreme Command. Moreover, Kramer himself is under suspicion, there is no connection, so we have to take advantage of the opportunity and hope for the loyalty of the surrounding Saturn employees (some of whom manage to turn over to our side). Stalingrad, Kursk and Belarus will be ahead, and in all these cases it is necessary to beat the Germans and thereby not only fulfill the task of the "Center", but also save tens of thousands of lives of Soviet soldiers and officers. And if the first part of the trilogy focused on 1941, then almost the entire Great Patriotic War was hooked here, which pleases. The tasks became even more dangerous, the check intensified, even the head of the Abwehr Canaris personally met with Kramer. And the finale hints at a sequel that came out in 1972.
2. Atmosphere - the second part, like the first, perfectly managed to convey the disturbing atmosphere of the Great Patriotic War, although it also does not particularly indulge in details. Costumes, scenery are pleasing to the eye. Interesting phrases and curious thoughts slip through the dialogues, although they will not tell anything new to knowledgeable people and there will not even be revelations.
3. The battle of intelligence - the stakes have risen. The blitzkrieg failed, now only a decisive battle and its victorious conclusion can help Germany turn the tide of the war, and Kramer cannot allow this in any way. Saturn is under suspicion, Kramer is not trusted by the highest ranks of the school, there is no connection, but even in these conditions, the hero manages to outplay experienced German spies and actually neutralize Saturn and even cast a shadow on the entire Abwehr (which will be dissolved in July 1944 after the failure of another attempt on Hitler). By 1942, Soviet and German intelligence had become equal opponents, so ours decided to go on the offensive, for which radio games, disinformation, the introduction of new agents, and so on began to be actively used. Kramer is walking on a razor's edge again, and it's interesting to watch.
A little bit about the main characters:
1. Krylov (Kramer), played by Mikhail Volkov, is a professional and experienced Soviet intelligence officer, introduced to the Saturn school back in 1941, and is a valuable source of information. He is brave, determined, has excellent empathy and a phenomenal memory. And again, Mikhail Davidovich coped with the role perfectly. Bravo!
2. Wilhelmi, played by Nikolai Prokopovich, is a major in the German army, a career employee of the Abwehr and the Saturn school, who was Kramer's opponent in the first part, and here he faded into the background, because he was so well fooled that he personally is confident in Kramer. Smart, brave, initiative. Nikolai Konstantinovich was great in this role. Bravo!
3. Timerin, performed by Georgy Zhzhenov, is a general of the Soviet army, Kramer's immediate superior, who directs the liquidation of enemy agents within Moscow, together with other officers develops plans for disinformation of Saturn during the most important battles of the war. Georgy Stepanovich again pleased with his acting. Bravo!
But you will learn about Kramer's post-war service next time.
My rating is 10 out of 10 and my recommendation for viewing!
