It lacks a little bit of punch, especially as you're watching it, but it's still a really effective movie that uses the war setting as an exploration of motivations and conscience. Every decision made by the characters in the film leads to the next, and seeing it all come together provides some interesting food for thought.

Excellent themes and moral dilemmas posed. I didn't find the characters believable enough to find the story gripping like others found.

Hard to put into words but watching this was a powerful experience. At no point does the film give me comforting anwers, it only asks tough questions, and it's hard to watch all the characters become more and more hopeless and "accept" their fates. Particularly the kid and the woman. That ending scene was incredibly intense. Stunning movie in many senses of the word.

Soul-crushingly good portrayal of the effects of the brutality of war on the human spirit that builds to a devastating climax, every bit the equal of Shepitka's husband Elem Klimov's Come And See.

It falls in the same category as 'Saints and Soldiers' and 'When trumpets fade'. If you like these, you'll enjoy this one.

Come And See Is Better

This movie could certainly be a little more subtle, but the Soviets were never really known for that. It is an intense film about integrity and conscience, with excellent cinematography and a gripping plot. What I found most interesting is how Shepitko handily shifts how you feel about the two main characters. It's also a much better film than the very overrated Come and See, by her husband.

Russian war movies; they just don't make 'em bleaker than these. One particular high point of this movie to mention - the interrogation scene(s) with Anatoli Solonitsyn - who delivers a phenomenal performance [one of my favorite villain types]. This is a movie that will stay with you after it ends. ----- sidenote ----- I could take or leave all the biblical imagery/subtext tbqh

# 875

A well crafted war film about the repercussions of frailty but by taking the story beyond its literary boundaries it becomes excessively dramatic so it never hit me on a gut level, though there are enough gorgeous shots, nail-bitting moments and compelling characters to satisfy most of you filmlovers out there (myself included).

From the opening scene, I knew this film was going to be special. The camerawork is spectacular, but what is more interesting than the imagery, are the characters in Shepitko's camera. Sotnikov and Rybak are extremely interesting characters, both of which show initiative and courage in the face of adversity, but get tested when faced with death. One of the best films made about the human conscience. I was absolutely blown away, A Masterpiece.

Russians made ''the all time best war movies''.