El padre de un soldado

it is one of my childhood films.a masterpiece by Rezo Chkheidze. a kind of miracle because, after years and years, it remains fresh, touching and impressive. a father in search of his son. a long way. a cruel war. and expressions of deep humanity. it is brilliant demonstration of great acting and a wise script. it is work of an extraordinary director. in same measure, it is proof of a special Eastern manner to discover and transform reality. because the subject is the love. for son, motherland, grapes, values, faith and the large circles of hope. sure, it is not unique. many Soviet films presents the war in different manners. but it is different because its team has huge courage to explore the heart of war in a form who escapes by ideological rules. it can be an answer to "Ivanovo detstvo" but , if you know more about this part of world it is not complicate to discover the traces of Georgian measure of things and facts.in same measure, it can be a variant for Otets i syn by Sergei Potepalov. but, in fact, it is only itself. because Giorgi Maharashvili remains

the signature of order , soft, correct order in a time without sense and measure. and the old song is the strong proof for that.

A war film. like any other. because it is a film about basic, small, insignificant things of life. an admirable cinematography. and small, moving details from a long, hard way. it is not a history lesson, it is not a pledge for abstract virtues, it is not a sentimental story. it is only the map of a trip of a father from a Georgian village, to see his son . and it is enough. in same measure, it is the film of Sergo Zakaridze. who propose an unique Georgi, reflecting the feelings and the force and the vulnerability of every father. it is difficult to describe it. because it is a simple film. not the Soviet political vision about the Great War. not the looking for impress. only a story about an old man and his travels, his huge generosity and his sense of life. his wisdom. and this does it almost an experience. useful. refreshing. and essential to define the war not as event but as slice from an ordinary life.

This film is a magnificent example of post-war soviet films. It tells the story of Georgiy Maharashvili, who went through the entire war to find his son, whom he had not seen for a very long time.

This film, first of all, shows us what a person should be. Sergo Zakiaradze (the actor who played the role of the father), screenwriter Suliko Zhgenti and director Rezo Chekhiadze perfectly conveyed the cultural characteristics of their nation, with their traditions and customs. Just look at the scene with the tankers who decided to drive their car over a German vineyard. And when the main character hears a Georgian song in a broken building and realizes that he hears the voice of his own son, whom he has been looking for for so long along military roads... there are simply no words, only powerful emotions.

This is simply a very high-quality and emotional Soviet movie with a very powerful message. Please give it a chance.

I have never even thought about that movie as Georgian. For me - it is a movie of human heart (which is international and has nor borders). I remember when I first watched it - I was not able to fall asleep. The movie had already finished, but I was still crying my heart away. Since that I have seen it a few times and every time I cried (considering that usually I don't do it - for example - movies like Shindler's list can not make me cry). For me it is best movie I have ever seen about cruel essence of war. Movie, which is not declarative (like most soviet time movies about the war) or sentimental (like Spielberg's ones for example), but just so unbelievably touching. Just watch it, but have in mind - whether you want it or not - it will fill your heart with compassion and the process is sometimes quite painful.

A father leaves his village to meet his soldier son who is wounded and is in the hospital. By the time old man reaches, son has recovered and is sent back to the post. Father decides to join the army to meet his son. Film is a little slow and very predictable. Acting is fantastic and situations very moving. Duration of the film is very short. Its a fine film with good message and good acting. Very expensive war scenes. I am yet to decide if I liked it or not still I must say that the film is very relevant and to the point. It is better than most second world war films west makes in the name of 'freedom' and for 'anti-communist' propaganda. Watch it if you like subtle war films and not mindless action.