The story of Victor Smirnov, “The disturbing month of spring”, is the basis of the series, twice filmed. The film "Summer of Wolves", whose actors created a strong ensemble, was first presented to the audience back in 1976 by film director Leonid Osyka. This outstanding master of cinema simply did not know how to make weak, passing films.
The new, 2011 film “Summer of the Wolves” is not a remake of the former, Soviet, it is a picture of a different format and a different artistic ideology. In the story of V. Smirnov , the necessary components for the series were originally laid: a large number of characters, a sharp plot in which thriller elements can be distinguished. And, finally, the very theme of the struggle against the “forest brothers”, which were not finished by the fascist henchmen, is even exciting today, decades later.
Briefly about the plot
After the treatment of a severe wound in the hospital, the lieutenant of the Soviet army, Ivan Kapelyukh, returns in the summer of 1944 to his village of Glukhary, which had just been liberated from the invaders. But his hopes for a warm welcome are not met. No one is particularly happy with the meeting. Favorite girl Tosya avoids him, the neighbors look askance. A grandmother, alarmed by something, asks him to be careful.
Soon, he accidentally finds a hanged soldier in the forest. Some time later, a new crime occurs. And Ivan understands that the war did not end for him, he is again at the front. Only the enemy is invisible and can lie in wait anywhere.
"Summer of the Wolves": actors and roles of the series
The director accurately outlined his priorities in the work on the picture, saying that the techniques should not be evident. Directing, in his opinion, should disappear, “dissolve” in the actors.
Indeed, in the series “Summer of the Wolves”, the actors are very precisely selected in accordance with the types necessary for such a topic and create a harmonious and harmonious ensemble. This is not easy to achieve, given the number of participants (more than 30) representing the villagers.
The protagonist: youth and experience
The central character, as usual, is given the most important function - he is here like a reagent that starts the process, a stone thrown into a stagnant swamp. After all, it is precisely with the arrival of Ivan that the situation prevailing in Glukhara is changed. It is he who helps frightened villagers overcome fear, and someone to take up arms. Finds and unravels the ties between bandits and civilians.
It is remarkable that the filmmakers give the main character the place not to superman with exceptional capabilities, but to the image of the most ordinary, even a little fragile, nervous, sincere and very young man. This role was perfectly played by A. Bardukov, who had already earned the sympathy of the audience in the series "Saboteur".
The role in the film "Summer of the Wolves" Alexey Bardukov, who once passed the school of the Satyricon Theater, can rightfully be proud of. His outwardly modest young lieutenant directly infects with his brightly emotional attitude to what is happening: he is hot, impulsive and decisive. He does not take courage. These are precisely the qualities that should be especially close to modern youth.
Julia Peresild: well-deserved success
A difficult, almost wordless role was expected by Yulia Peresild, theater actress Evgenia Mironova, who most recently was noted in the role of Lyudmila Gurchenko in the eponymous series. She plays Ivan's numbed bride of grief, whose sister was killed by bandits. Nevertheless, Peresild managed to create a memorable image of Tasi - a loving and warm-hearted girl who boldly takes the side of Ivan. Awarding the artist with a government award in 2013, her work was noted in the filming of hf "Summer of Wolves" - a patriotic series in content that attracted the attention of a large audience.
Igor Sklyar: recognized talent
A favorite of the audience took part in the series, whose name seems to be forever associated with the famous film “We Are From Jazz” and the musical hit “Komarovo”. In the series "Summer of the Wolves" Igor Sklyar convincingly presented the laconic, restrained collective farm chairman Pyotr Glumsky. Well, he managed to study the collective farm life thoroughly, appearing on the stage for several years in the famous performance of the St. Petersburg Theater of Europe "Brothers and Sisters" based on the novel by the village writer Fyodor Abramov.
Group portrait
Life in the village liberated from the Nazis, as shown in the mini-series, is unlike the usual paintings, which straightforwardly illustrate the official installations of the past era. Not all villagers are ready to welcome the liberators. In the hearts of many villagers, there is a lack of confidence and old resentment against Soviet power. This is where the source of support for invisible forest bandits. However, when the killings begin in Glukhara, many will have to reconsider their views.
There are no minor roles
One cannot but note the successful depiction of the village environment with its Ukrainian-Belarusian residents, the exact distribution of social roles. Here, as expected, there are key, traditional characters: a village fool, a reckless woman-sorceress, a shrewd and sly old woman, a grandfather-silent. Actors of the series "Summer of the Wolves" received many opportunities to "show themselves." The colorful Popelenko is organically and naturally portrayed by the actor of the Oleg Tabakov Theater Studio Alexander Vorobyov. The artist, who starred in many popular series ("Truckers", "Kamenskaya-2", "Balzac Age", "Children of the Arbat"), easily and naturally feels himself in the image of a hero demonstrating worldly ingenuity and folk humor.
Belorussian actress Vera Kavalerova, often appearing in Russian films and TV shows, was delighted. The characteristic role of the grandmother Seraphim, whom Ivan is the grandson of, was to many's liking.
The unforgettable impression of life fullness is left by the character of Maria Kulikova, who very convincingly played the warrior Varia in an unexpected dramatic scene, when Ivan, who was initially carried away by her, ultimately exposes Varia as a coherent bandit detachment.
Watching the movie "Summer of the Wolves", whose actors are of interest even in the episodes, is an exciting experience. The supporting roles are also well-developed: Malashka (Anna Polupanova), Gorely - the former head of the local policemen (Sergey Vlasov), the potter, the father of Tosi (Sergey Koltakov) and others.
Why we love TV shows
The series "Summer of the Wolves", the actors and the director's work caused mixed reviews from the audience, a big divergence of opinion: from enthusiastic to extremely skeptical. The bulk of the reproaches are focused on the problem of historical authenticity - both in characterization and in the details of the environment of the 40s.
In this case, there is some misunderstanding and misunderstanding of the genre nature of the film. After all, the main goal of the television series is still entertainment, the ability to cause empathy, excitement, a sense of fear or pleasure.
In the series “Summer of the Wolves”, the actors create authenticity, approaching historical reality to the extent necessary, which is convincing for the modern viewer and the psychological motivation of the characters, as well as the relationship between them. A deep analysis of the events of the series is even contraindicated in some ways. Do not unnecessarily “load” the viewer and break his already existing views. Therefore, parallels with other films, imitation and quoting are quite acceptable here. Which, however, does not detract from the merits of the creative team: directors, screenwriters, actors, cameramen and many others who have put their work and talent into creating the series.