Review by t-dooley-69-386916

In 1917 Russia was at war – with Germany and itself. The troops at the front were war weary and being run by 'Soldiers Committees', the Tsar had been removed and the Provisional Government were fighting a losing battle for the hearts and minds of the people and the soldiers. So Minister of War, Alexander Kerensky, was charged with raising an all female combat unit. The first one was the '1st Russian Women's Battalion of Death' and it was raised and led by a feisty soldier who had already been decorated – fighting alongside men – this was Maria Bochareva.

She ruled with an iron fist and this is her story as told through the women who fought with her. They were one of only two units that were sent to combat and this film portrays what they did, the obstacles they had to overcome and the men they went to help.

Now history purists may take exception at some of the events here but the Kerensky Offensive (which they were in) is actually done fairly well. The acting is all rather good and the materiel seemed fine too. I have seen one review which called it 'modernist propaganda' but this is 'based' on facts. A full film on the real life of Maria Bochareva would have been a great idea too from the little I have read of her. The film portrays most of the women as being heroines though and she is not set at centre stage. This though is still a film very much worth the effort and as such I am happy to recommend.