SMERSH

This is somewhat confusing; Tubi is the only source for the movie, and it is called Ordered to Live (2019).

Also, this is a twelve part mini series, with each episode being 48 minutes.

There are "built in" subtitles, but they are very large, and alternate from being at the bottom of the screen, to the top. This detracts from being able to focus on viewing.

But regardless of how well it was conceived, or how good the actors are, what is revealed in the opening minutes is that it was adapted from a novel; the entire story is fictitious.

Other films, by necessity reenactments, will of course, have fictitious characters, events, etc.

In older documentaries of actual battles, real veterans who participated, were able be interviewed prior to their deaths, adding depth to the story line; Band of Brothers being a prime example.

It is because this is a total fiction, that I graded it with two stars.

Beautifully produced, very well acted. Convincing. Makarov was outstanding.