Most of the Russian movies have something in common: a highly dramatic content. This one is not of an exception either
a very touching human drama in times of Peace and WAR. I shall not say the same things that other reviewers said, so I just want to mention the brilliant camera work and the almost flawless direction.
I was expecting a rather conservative approach of the camera, with pan and scan shots, but at some times I was pleasantly surprised by different techniques: you'll have to see the movie for yourself as I wont make a technical analysis here. There are certain scenes where you get the feeling that you are privileged in watching them, as a spectator, but at the same time you can 'feel' the atmosphere so real, so you might think you've been there for real
The music, ohhhh the music flows through the whole movie so natural: from the Russian folk songs to the army marches, going through the waltzes and other époques music styles. There a quite a few scenes where there is nothing else but MUSIC, and a wonderful camera work.
One special note about the actors: beside Sergei Bondarchuk (who is the director as well) we have a cast of brilliant actors that are just perfect for their roles. Indeed the scenario is very good, so their roles are well developed, but nevertheless , the young Lyudmila Savelyeva is quite a Russian gem that unfortunately has not been used much in the later years
What can I say more about this movie just that there is new version on 5 DVDs, with a 5.1 re-mastered soundtrack, and with an acceptable picture quality: sometimes you can see some dark corners, scratches and so one..but overall is the best version you'll be able to find..so GET IT and WATCH IT.
10/10 perfect movie for movie lovers!
I was expecting a rather conservative approach of the camera, with pan and scan shots, but at some times I was pleasantly surprised by different techniques: you'll have to see the movie for yourself as I wont make a technical analysis here. There are certain scenes where you get the feeling that you are privileged in watching them, as a spectator, but at the same time you can 'feel' the atmosphere so real, so you might think you've been there for real
The music, ohhhh the music flows through the whole movie so natural: from the Russian folk songs to the army marches, going through the waltzes and other époques music styles. There a quite a few scenes where there is nothing else but MUSIC, and a wonderful camera work.
One special note about the actors: beside Sergei Bondarchuk (who is the director as well) we have a cast of brilliant actors that are just perfect for their roles. Indeed the scenario is very good, so their roles are well developed, but nevertheless , the young Lyudmila Savelyeva is quite a Russian gem that unfortunately has not been used much in the later years
What can I say more about this movie just that there is new version on 5 DVDs, with a 5.1 re-mastered soundtrack, and with an acceptable picture quality: sometimes you can see some dark corners, scratches and so one..but overall is the best version you'll be able to find..so GET IT and WATCH IT.
10/10 perfect movie for movie lovers!