A solid score, some wonderful cinematography, and brisk pacing and editing redeem the contrived story and "theatrical" performances.

The cinematography is absolutely impeccable and the story is simply heartbreaking to the bone, but more in a romantic than a depressive way. Definitely in the pantheon of Soviet-era films.

The astonishingly beautiful cinematography is the best and most memorable quality of this film. The main character's behavior towards the girl on the train was really off-putting, though, did nothing to illuminate his character, and then it turned into a sappy romance between them that almost totally ignored her losses and feelings. Their stuff was the least interesting part of the film, and for some reason it's stretched out quite a bit.

Beautiful touching story with a sweet and likable lead.

Pretty good story, and this movie just looks great. Otherwise, it's a little too sappy (despite many of the terrible things that happen) for me to really consider it great.

A touching Soviet film that's light on propoganda and big on heart. Excellent photography (Alyosha reuniting with Shura at the railroad overpass is stunning), I sensed a heavy Eisenstein influence in the way the characters were often shot in profile, low angle, staggered perspective. The hero of the story is a little too perfect for my tastes, though.

Ballad of a Soldier is an amazing film that will break your heart. Alyosha, a 19-year old private in the Soviet army is allowed to return home to see his mother and fix her roof on a six-day leave. On a train he meets another stow-away, the timid Shura, and falls in love. The movie depicts the people he meets on his way home through war-torn Russia. The film is extremely well-paced in a natural, flowing rhythm with a smooth, unassuming camera and lovely lighting, which by the end helps set us up for the tragedy that will come.

I'm a soulless bastard, I guess.

Such a touching story. This was so well told and finding out what happnes to the young soldier in the begining of the movie, makes this even more touching. I really enjoyed how well told and how well acted this movie was.

Hauntingly beautiful story. Unspoiled by any propaganda whatever. Excellent example of Soviet filmmaking, a simple story that gains emotional resonance through the strength of its images and unaffected technique. Wonderfully directed and photographed.