This Russian production has holes in it as big as the holes left by German shells from bombs dropped on Russian soil. However, this screenplay and the characterizations within are of a superior quality, so we must forgive the subpar production values. The lead role of the Russian officer, wrongly accused of cowardice, is played by Juriy Borisov, and his guard, well-played by Amir Abdykalov, steals several scenes with his stoic perserverence. His character appears to be the writer's alter ego; the writer being Emmanull Kazakevich, a classical Russian writer who is well-versed in bringing tragic figures to life. Several good Russian writers excel at tragedy, probably because they have suffered so much of it in the last century.
There will be those who denigrate this film as glorifying
Russia, while Russia tries to subjugate the Ukraine, and politically, they may have a point. But this film is not about Putin, Russian leaders or generals; it is about the unheralded sacrifices that nameless thousands of honorable Russian men endured during the Russian-German conflict during WW2. The Russians took a terrible beating at the beginning of that conflict; and yet, they endured. Some would say it was the last honorable military action they were ever involved in. I will let the viewer decide that for themselves. It is interesting to note that Kazaks, historically, were not too keen about becoming part of the Soviet Union. However, when hostilities broke out with Germany, they served with great honor all along the Russian front. In some ways, this film is a hidden gem among all the preachy WW 2 films that do not center on real people. See it for yourself; I do not think you will be disappointed.
