Ballad of a Soldier (1960)

Grigory Chukhraj's poetic odyssey of an accidental hero on a six-day pass is a sentimental journey through the ideals of the Soviet state in World War II. Vladimir Ivashov is the fresh-faced signalman whose trip from the Russian front to visit his white-haired mother becomes a series of detours as he stops to help the loyal comrades, fellow soldiers, and salt-of-the-earth civilians (as well as a few shirkers and scoundrels) he meets along the way. On a transport train he even falls in love with a pretty young stowaway, a feisty blond girl-next-door on her way to visit a wounded boyfriend. Delicately photographed and gently paced, this deliriously romantic road movie is undeniably Soviet in its celebration of patriotism and collectivism, but Chukhraj transcends politics with delightfully vivid characters and a deft mix of comedy, melodrama, and romance. --Sean Axmaker Amazon.com

Mother Love

A mother stares down a long country road, waiting for a son who will never return. This is the most hauntingly powerful, heart-rending image in this landmark film full of many memorable images.

I'm very sorry to say that it was only this week that I viewed this movie for the first time.

But perhaps it was meant to be. I have a son Alyosha's age. I am proud to say that the two are quite similar: tall, blond, handsome, kind, sensitive. In this time in the US, with Bush's war, I do think about my son going off to fight in a foreign land. I dread him going; I've urged him to enlist in one of the "alternatives" like Navy or Coast Guard. When I was his age we faced the draft for Vietnam. I was one of the lucky ones who had enough dough to go to school and thus secure deferments each year. Others went in my place, for which I do have guilt. It was not fair at all.

Knowing Bush, I am a bit surprised that the draft has not been reinstated. All of these thoughts came to me as I watched this wonderfully simple yet tremendously powerful film.

One of the tests of a great film, to me, is this: will the pictures themselves be of interest, even without sound? In Ballad of A Soldier, the images are by turns lyrical, awe-inspiring, gritty, poetic, unflinching, romantic. Director Chukrai is a true artist.

Forget the propaganda tag. It's a universal story of the tragedy of separation and loss. We aren't literally told or shown what happens to Alyosha, which was very wise. All we need to know is that he does not return home. This is the tragedy.

This is a truly eloquent masterpiece which stands the test of time. It is a worthy inclusion on any "Best Of" list

September 6, 2007

Ballad of a Soldier

Chukhrai's intimate, small masterpiece contains a wrenching hope for life and humanity in the figure of the innocent, Alyosha, even as he traverses a homeland under siege to see his beloved mother, perhaps for the last time. The director's stark yet lyrical camerawork complement top-flight performances, notably Ivaslov in the central role and Zhanna Prokhorenko, adorable as love interest Shura. Don't miss that indelible ending sequence in this touching "Ballad". June 27, 2007

Honest and pure

What Norman Rockwell was to Americana, it struck me that perhaps Grigori Chukhrai seemed to be to the Soviet Union. That was my first impression of "Ballad of a Soldier". Of course, I was not entirely correct, and some cinema-crats with and air of artsy "progressivism" about them might laugh aoud at the comparison. But to a degree, the idealism projected in the film seemed to be fitting of the period if one looked at this film with a Western point of view. This was a really good film, wholesome and virtuous. Its value as a tool in the hands of Soviet propagandists is clear, but the story itself is far above mere propaganda. It is a timeless love story, and it could have been set in any nation and at almost any time. What brought it to my interest is that it happened to be set in 1943 when Germans were driving tanks all over the western Sovet Union.

The story follows a well mannered young soldier named Alyosha Skvortsov as he embarks on a mission of devotion to his mother. During the only combat scene, immediately after the narrator sets up the ballad, Alyosha manages to perform an act of bravery that earns him a six day leave. What would any good boy do with six days leave? He'd go home to fix his mother's leaky roof, right? Of course! Alyosha sets off only to be delayed by his good nature, kindheartedness, and the rather heartbreaking fact that he falls in love with a young fellow traveller. The story is quite absorbing, simple as it may be, and I found it comfortably paced and beautifully composed. Rich scenery and careful composition made the view of Russia during WWII look quite beautiful, even the ugly parts. At the same time, there is an ominous undertone, for lack of a better word, in the form of the constant threat of war, allusions to corruption, and a nod toward challenging circumstances. There is a tension all throughout too, for the viewer knows Alyosha's fate from the beginning, casting an urgency upon his various exploits.

But the most important trait of this film, and plainly obvious, is the noble character of Alyosha. He's a model young man of selfless charm. His smile is infecting, his devotion to others is inspiring. He is the dutiful youth serving his country, honest in admitting fear, generous in time and effort, and loving to a degree rarely seen anymore. Alyosha is a picture of naiive goodness, which is ironically what causes him his greatest grief. His noble heart is a perfect example for a youngster, and I will certainly be showing this film to my young son.

Beyond Alyosha and the equally idyllic supporting character, Shura, I did find myself a bit surprised at the depiction of goodness and the kind-hearted nature of the average Soviet citizen. Perhaps my surprise comes from my cultural rearing as a child of the Cold War? I remember fully expecting to die by Soviet nuke, and I remember what a monstrous impression I had of a communist. In part, this was part of popular culture in the US, and it was encouraged formally. Teachers declared that Russians were cold and calculating, living in fetid squalor, drinking nothing but stagnant water from vending machines full of slime and common cups. Such was the depiction of "commies" to a cold war American sixth grader as late as 1980. Maturity and experience has erased much of that assumptive idea of how a Russian ought to be, but to see such a human and joyful depiction of Soviet society still caused a brief disconnect. If there ever was a film that beautifully displayed the old saying that "people are people, wherever", then this is it.

Military hardware buffs and gun nuts will find this film worthy of a watch, if you happen to be too troglodytic to enjoy a good love story. Historicity is preserved in a plethora of Mosin Nagant rifles in this film. Alyosha knocks out two German "Tiger" tanks with a Simonov 20mm rifle in the combat scene. There are numerous T-34s, both in Russian guise and disguised as German tanks. You'll see some fine footage of ZIS and GAZ trucks and a GAZ jeep, along with excellent railroad footage.

A truly great film, family-safe, historically set, clean and honest. June 21, 2006

Ballad of a good soldier, friend, and son

Ballad of a Soldier is sometimes dismissed as overtly patriotic Soviet propaganda, and it's not too difficult to understand why. However, to dismiss the film as a whole and all that's good with it would be like throwing your beloved babooshka out onto the Siberian permafrost with her mineral oil bathwater.

Aloysha, the main character and soldier in question, chooses family and friendship over self-recognition, commitment despite personal setbacks, and ultimately country over all else. The film itself is a lesson in the virtues of altruism.

This really is a warm-hearted and gentle film with a heart as big as Lake Baikal is deep. Ballad is definitely G-rated and would make for good classroom and family discussion. Highly recommended. December 14, 2005

Ballad Of a Soldier

This is a movie classic. The theme is so universal. There is no preaching in this movie but the massage is clear. People are basically the same- no matter what color, race or nationality they belong. The DVD print is OK. The story is a tear jerker.

M.Rahman October 2, 2005

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