My iz Kronshtadta

Despite the fact that it was shot in 1936 and for many it is an example of Stalinist cinema, it is different from may films of the era and by the way, it is much better. There are several assets in this movie, shot wholly in stark black and white. 1. The plot. It is seemingly old, trite and banal - Civil War in Russia, 1919, near St. Petersburg, a group of Bolshevik sailors battle the White Guard and lose, then some very tragic events follow, then the main hero escapes and then there is a sort of revenge. But, the way the events are shows is very fresh, fast, cool and often humorous. 2. Warm humor permeates the movie throughout and thus saves this seemingly dark, tragic, dramatic work of pomposity. The depiction of several heroes is very deeply sympathetic and decent. 3. There are no rough and ready cloches here - even the Reds are shows as normal people with all the drawbacks, while Whites are suddenly even depicted with bigger amount of realism, even some empathy and realism. 4. The execution scene is probably The best ever shot in Soviet cinema of the whole period. 5. The film in fact was a revelation and paved the way to similarly great movies of 3 decades later. Highly recommended

This film is available on video - I saw it as such during the early 90s. By way of brief synopsis, a group of sailors from Kronstadt rally to the Bolshevik cause and enlist to fight as naval infantry in the Civil War. After a few scraps they are captured, and would rather be driven at bayonet-point over the edge of a cliff than submit to the Whites.

If you are looking for other films in this genre, I would suggest 'Chapeyev'.

I saw this movie when I was about 8 and cannot remember it in detail. But I do remember that it was a Great movie and I have never forgotten it and would love to see it again (and own it)