Buzz
Soviet cinema is often overlooked on Mytour and globally, lacking the recognition enjoyed by Italian or French films. The Soviet Central Government saw film as a tool for mass control, enforcing strict censorship to ensure adherence to socialist realism. Despite this, many directors risked severe consequences to create films that deviated from party lines but held significant artistic value. This list highlights one film per director, with mentions of their other notable works, presented in no specific order.
10. Outskirts (1933)
Boris Barnet’s debut sound film, 'Outskirts,' is a hidden gem. Set in 1914, it follows a German POW sent to a remote Russian village. The narrative unfolds through vignettes showcasing villagers and soldiers grappling with war and revolution. Rich characters and innovative sound design make this a standout for enthusiasts of 1930s cinema. Barnet’s other notable films include 'The Girl with the Hat Box' and 'By the Bluest of Seas.'
9. Man with a Movie Camera (1929)
Dziga Vertov, a pioneer of cinéma vérité or 'truth cinema,' revolutionized documentary filmmaking, as seen in his experimental masterpiece, 'Man with a Movie Camera.' This plotless, actor-free film captures Soviet life through raw, unfiltered footage. Vertov utilized groundbreaking techniques like extreme close-ups and tracking shots to showcase the limitless potential of film. Originally silent with live musical accompaniment, modern releases feature various soundtracks, including a notable one by Michael Nyman on Netflix. Vertov’s other works include the 'Kino-Pravda' series and 'Three Songs About Lenin.'
8. Earth (1930)
Alexander Dovzhenko’s 'Earth,' the final installment of his 'Ukraine Trilogy,' is a poignant silent film exploring themes of life, death, and societal change in a Ukrainian village. The narrative delves into the struggles of farmers against Kulaks, industrialization, and collectivization. Dovzhenko’s masterful montage and nuanced portrayal of the Soviet Revolution sparked controversy with censors, adding to the film’s historical significance. His other notable works include 'Zvenigora,' 'Arsenal,' 'Ivan,' and 'Aerograd.'
7. Storm Over Asia (1928)
Similar to 'Earth,' 'Storm Over Asia' is a silent film and part of a trilogy. Vsevolod Pudovkin’s 'Revolutionary Trilogy' includes 'Mother,' 'The End of St. Petersburg,' and 'Storm Over Asia.' While all three are acclaimed, 'Storm Over Asia' stands out for its gripping narrative. Set in 1918, it follows a Mongol herdsman oppressed by British occupiers. After joining Soviet forces, he learns he is a descendant of Genghis Khan and leads a resistance to reclaim his homeland. Despite its propagandistic tone, Pudovkin’s innovative montage and focus on individual empowerment make it a cinematic gem.
6. Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (1964)
Sergei Parajanov’s 'Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors,' one of his two masterpieces alongside 'The Color of Pomegranates,' is a visually stunning and symbolic film. Set in the Carpathian Mountains, it tells a tragic love story reminiscent of 'Romeo and Juliet,' but with a twist. Ivan, the protagonist, falls for Marichka, whose family caused his father’s death. After her tragic death, Ivan spirals into despair, marries another woman, and faces betrayal. Filmed in the Hutsul dialect, the movie vividly portrays Hutsul culture, enhanced by Parajanov’s breathtaking cinematography and use of color.
5. The Cranes are Flying (1957)
Winner of the Palme d’Or at the 1958 Cannes Film Festival, 'The Cranes are Flying' is one of only two Soviet films to achieve this honor. Directed by Mikhail Kalatozov, this anti-war drama captures the emotional toll of WWII on Soviet citizens. The story revolves around Veronica and Boris, a couple separated by war. As Boris fights on the front lines, Veronica struggles with despair and the unwanted advances of Boris’s draft-dodging cousin. A poignant exploration of love and loss, the film is complemented by Kalatozov’s other notable work, 'I Am Cuba,' also celebrated on Mytour.
4. War and Peace (1968)
Though I haven’t personally seen this film, its monumental scale earns it a spot on this list. The production spanned seven years and cost over $100 million (equivalent to $700 million today), making it the most expensive film ever made. Originally released in four parts totaling 484 minutes, later versions were slightly shortened. A Guinness World Record was set for a battle scene involving 120,000 soldiers, one of the largest ever filmed. Directed by Sergei Bondarchuk, the epic won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film in 1969.
3. Solaris (1972)
Andrei Tarkovsky’s 'Solaris,' the inspiration for this list, is a sci-fi masterpiece and a personal favorite. The story follows psychologist Kris Kelvin, sent to a space station orbiting Solaris to assess the crew’s emotional distress. Upon arrival, Kelvin encounters surreal hallucinations. While the pacing is deliberate, Tarkovsky masterfully explores themes like religion, humanity, and consciousness. Natalya Bondarchuk delivers an outstanding performance. Tarkovsky’s other acclaimed works include 'Ivan’s Childhood,' 'Andrei Rublev,' 'The Mirror,' 'Stalker,' 'Nostalghia,' and 'The Sacrifice.'
2. The Battleship Potemkin (1925)
Sergei Eisenstein’s 'The Battleship Potemkin' is the film that established Soviet cinema on the global stage. Widely regarded as one of the most impactful propaganda films ever made, it was honored as the greatest film of all time at the 1958 World’s Fair in Belgium. The movie dramatizes the 1905 rebellion of the Potemkin crew against Tsarist officers, often viewed as a precursor to the 1917 Revolution. Eisenstein’s other masterpieces include 'Strike,' 'October,' 'Que Viva Mexico,' 'Alexander Nevsky,' and 'Ivan the Terrible' Parts I and II.
1. Come and See (1985)
Elem Klimov’s 'Come and See' is a harrowing psychological war film that surpasses even 'Apocalypse Now' in its intensity. It follows Florya, a young Belorussian boy who joins the fight against Nazi invaders during WWII. As the story unfolds, his initial enthusiasm turns to horror and despair as he witnesses unimaginable atrocities. The film’s stunning visuals, sound design, and powerful performances make it one of the most brutally realistic portrayals of war, encapsulating the phrase 'War Is Hell.'
