Batalion

It's 1917, and the First World War has been going on for three years. In Russia, the Tsar has been overthrown and the provisional government led by Kerensky has taken power. But the Russian Army is completely demoralized. The Communists aren't yet in power (that would await the second revolution) but "Soldiers' Committees" have been formed that have essentially taken command of entire battalions. Officers aren't obeyed and the soldiers are refusing to fight. All is chaos. The Kerensky government decides to "boost morale" by forming an all-women's battalion under the command of Maria Bochkareva. This movie tells their story.

I always appreciate a movie that fills me in on some history that I wasn't previously familiar with and I had never heard of this story before. Bochkareva's battalion became known as the "1st Women's Battalion of Death" and although there were several women's battalions formed after them, they were the first of only two to go into battle against the Germans. Now, as far as history is concerned - from what I've read since watching this I realize that there's a lot of dramatic licence taken with the story, but the portrayal of Bochkareva - a tough, no nonsense battalion commander who had served in the Russian Army since the outbreak of the war and who refused to allow the formation of a "Soldiers' Committee" in the battalion - by a Russian actress named Mariya Aronova seemed authentic enough and was compelling. Bochkareva believed - and Kernesky agreed - that an all womens' unit (of women willing to fight) would shame the men into doing their duty as well.

It takes a while for the women's battalion to see combat, but once combat is introduced, it's portrayed pretty well and there are a lot of graphic scenes. I will say that it's sometimes difficult to tell the Russians from the Germans - although in some ways I suppose that adds to the chaotic feeling that must be a part of any battlefield. The film is in Russian with well done English subtitles; there's no need to dub it. If I could compare this movie to something western audiences might be familiar with, it struck me as similar in tone and purpose to "Glory" - the story of the first black regiment in the Union Army during the US Civil War. (8/10)

Surviving WWI was a feat in itself, yet here we have a story where Russia sent woman into battle against German forces depicted here in the film to the point I found myself wondering how close on the brink of madness was the world at that time, not that woman were in battle but seeing those very woman and their dire situation while emotional integrity still prevailed against unfathomable duress, pointedly stated with the best line from the film when Evdokiya Kolokolchikova, spoke, 'We're going there to die.' Very good acting and filming direction, with tense trench warfare. A noted point in history hopefully not forgotten.

When I first saw this film, I realized this is the film about the the story in WW1 which is similar to the short film "Procelain Unicorn", I am not quite a fan of the war movies but based on the history, this movie is undoubtedly described what really happened in the history. Firstly, the Russian army recruitment scene moves my heart and I deeply felt the desire of the Russian to win against German Army in the battle and this also describes the fighting spirit of the Russian people. Also, there is a scene which two women hugged each other indicates that behind the war there is love.

A wonderfully told true story of a very difficult period in the history of Russia. Great script, acting, filmography and scenography. Delighted to see that WWI stories are making to the Russian cinematography. There is good balance between funny lines, drama and action. Horrors of war depicted without exaggeration and unfortunately very common in the movies artistry. Girls remain girls even in the army, even when risking their lives, even at the time of a heroic act. And I think it is exactly that exposes the merciless, cruel face of war. I am glad to see that director is not taking sides in the conflict that was about to bring the Civil war in Russia. His position is very clear nonetheless - war is a brutal crime. Through the dirt mixed with blood and sweat in fearful eyes of the girls of Battalion we can still see much love, and hope, and peace. Peace that doesn't mean the absence of war, but clear conscience and purpose. An absolute must see!

Russia had already lost the war, and carrying on with it was pointless.

Does show how gruesome the war was, but fails to question the need to fight it.

Enemy soldiers in uniform are entitled to collect military intelligence and are not spies. To ignore a white flag is a war crime.

Maria Bochkareva got pardoned once, but urged US intervention to help the far-right and antisemitic Whites in Russia's Civil War. Saying she was 'seen as on the White side' is not a fair summation of this.

Came back to fight as part of their army, was captured and executed.