War is the most terrible and cruel event in the history of mankind. It interrupts the peaceful course of life and destroys everything in its path. During World War II, many cities and cultural monuments of Russia were affected. The feat of the Soviet people in these difficult years will forever remain in the hearts of descendants. Many books, songs and films are devoted to him. Soviet feature films about the war can rightly be called the cultural heritage of Russia. Created by famous directors and scriptwriters, they tell us about the worst events of the war years. Each of them is a vivid example of courage, dedication and heroism. Let's remember the most popular paintings.
The best Soviet films about the war
Let's try to identify them. If we ask our grandparents which Soviet films about the war they consider the best, then the names can be heard very different. Most importantly, they are interesting to watch today. But could it be otherwise? After all, these paintings truthfully and sincerely tell about the events of the Great Patriotic War, filling our hearts with pride in their country. It is impossible to watch them without tears, for example, the film "Father of a Soldier" and many others. Everyone must be familiar with them. We suggest you sit back and start watching the best Soviet war films from our list. Happy viewing!
List of the best Soviet war films
So, let's begin. The first place in it is occupied by the 1973 film "Only the elderly are going into battle," directed by Leonid Bykov. It tells about the everyday life of Soviet fighter pilots during the Great Patriotic War, which, despite all the difficulties, continued to enjoy life, joked, laughed, and fell in love. Particular soulfulness is given to the picture by the songs that sound in it. The tape was very popular with the audience, it was literally dismantled for quotes.
The director himself said that the idea to make a film about pilots came to him after he was unable to enter the flight school, which he had dreamed about since childhood. The film was released in 1974 and was very warmly received by the public, taking fourth place at the box office. The picture also did not go without special awards from international festivals. However, in order for it to be published, its creators had to work hard. The fact is that the leadership of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine did not like the film, and it was decided to send the picture to the shelf. As arguments, it was said that the film "Only Old Men Are Going to Fight" improbably describes the events of the war years and cannot be shown to viewers. For help, Leonid Bykov had to turn to famous front-line pilots, among whom were Chief Marshal of Aviation Pavel Kutakhov and Alexander Pokryshkin.
Feat of soldiers
In second place is the film "They Fought for the Homeland" of 1975. It was shot based on the novel by Mikhail Sholokhov. The film is based on the events of July 1942 related to the defense of Stalingrad, during which weakened, exhausted fighters defend their country from enemy invaders to the last. "They fought for their homeland" (a 1975 film directed by Sergei Bondarchuk) makes you think about the real price of victory and the feat of ordinary soldiers. Such famous actors as Vasily Shukshin, Vyacheslav Tikhonov, Georgy Burkov played here.
Ordinary people who, without any speeches and big words, are fighting for their land, women, old people, children. This picture is simply impossible to watch without tears, the game of heroes is so realistic. A sculpture was created for the heroes of the film in 2016. You can see her in Moscow near the Ministry of Defense on Frunze Embankment.
Third place
The focus of our attention is another interesting picture. This time it is the series "Battalions ask for fire." The film was shot based on the novel by Yuri Bondarev in 1985. Events take place in 1943. At this time, Soviet troops crossed the Dnieper. By order of the command, two battalions of the rifle regiment receive a dangerous mission - to create a bridgehead, gain a foothold on it and then give an artillery signal about the need for help, and then start the battle. However, soon the leadership changes the plan, ordering to distract the enemy’s attention from a larger battle, while the battalions remain without support from the artillery and are ordered to stay until the last. In fact, the soldiers are doomed to death.
When you watch the film “Battalions ask for fire”, you sympathize with the main characters. Tears involuntarily come to my eyes from the realization of how our ancestors fought, protecting every shred, every pebble of their country. After all, human life in war is just a pawn. The series keeps in suspense from the first to the last minute.
Fourth
The fourth line in the list of the best Soviet films about the war we give the picture "In the sky," night witches. " The focus is on Soviet pilots who fire at the enemy mainly at night. They so bravely carried out the tasks of the command that even German aces were afraid of them. After all, when they appeared in the sky, it became clear to the enemy that it was impossible to hide from retaliation. This film is watched with great interest today. You can talk about him for a very long time, but it is better to take and revisit this amazingly good and beautiful picture once again. It remains only to envy those who will watch it for the first time.
An interesting fact is that real events formed the basis of the film, thereby making it even more true. It makes you think about the difficult fate of women during the war, who were forced to fight along with men. But despite all the trials, they remained sweet and beautiful, fell in love and never ceased to dream.
Fifth place
The honorable fifth place on our list is in the movie “Scout's Feat”. Soviet intelligence officer Alexei Fedotov is tasked with infiltrating the enemy’s territory and gaining access to the secret correspondence of General Von Kun and Hitler, which contains the most important strategic information. For this, Fedotov goes to Vinnitsa. Now he is a successful businessman Heinrich Eckert, concluding trade contracts with the Nazis. In carrying out the task received from the leadership, the Soviet intelligence will encounter a number of difficulties, but will be able to cope with them.
Director Boris Barnett wanted to create a real espionage thriller, and he succeeded. The film turned out to be truly exciting, without meaningless prolongation. The professionalism of the Soviet intelligence officer, who is not afraid of anything, and tries to complete the task as quickly and accurately as possible, admire. Few people know that the “Scout feat” is based on real military events, the main character is the Soviet scout Nikolai Kuznetsov.
Anthem to the woman
Of course, speaking of the best Soviet films about the war of 1941-1945, it is impossible not to mention the film “And the Dawns Here Are Quiet”. This is one of the most moving and piercing paintings. It is dedicated to women's destinies that the war ruthlessly breaks. But despite all the difficulties that have befallen women, they remain just as gentle and pure. As the director himself later said, this film was shot in memory of a nurse who saved his life on the battlefield.
The year is 1942. A group of female anti-aircraft gunners is sent to the commandant of the railway line in Karelia. Very young, recently graduated school girls, whose whole life is yet to come, are forced to engage in an unequal battle with a strong opponent.
The film is rightly considered a classic of Soviet cinema. It can be reviewed an infinite number of times. You fall in love with the main characters from the first frames and worry about them throughout the film. The director shows us how strong the spirit of the Soviet women are, who, without a moment's hesitation, are ready to go to the front, defend their homeland.
Male friendship
In seventh place is the film "Two Fighters." Its plot is quite simple. In the center of the picture are two Soviet fighters, who are connected by strong male friendship. Machine gunner Arkady Dzyubin and steelworker Sasha Svintsov are real comrades who always help each other out. Once friends quarrel strongly, but their quarrel does not last long. The battle begins, Arkady is seriously injured. At the risk of his life, Sasha tries to help a friend. Throughout the picture, beautiful songs are heard that set the audience on a lyrical tune and give confidence that everything will be fine.
The film "Two Fighters" was shot in the middle of the war. His main goal was to raise the morale of Soviet soldiers. The motion picture is simply riddled with optimism and the belief that, despite all the difficulties, we will definitely win. It has a lot of humor and kind, slightly naive moments. The film teaches us that the main thing is to remain human, help others and try to forgive. After all, in war you never know what awaits you in the next minute. It is a must-see for all lovers of good Soviet films about the war of 1941-1945.
Eighth place
We want to give the eighth place to the film “Anxious economy” by Mikhail Zharov. The picture went on a massive rental in 1946. It should be noted that Mikhail Zharov first acted as a director. According to him, an invaluable contribution to the creation of the film was made by the cameraman Pavlov V.E., who was ready to help at any time.
The comedy shows the adventures of a simple soldier Ogurtsov, who, by order of the command, goes to a special unit. It is led by foreman Semibab. In the forest, the main character meets a charming girl Tonya, who is also sent to this unit. Arriving at their destination, they see the most common airfield. Enemy aircraft attack the airfield at night. The actions of leaders during an enemy attack are completely incomprehensible to Ogurtsov. Only in the morning he learns that their airfield is false and was created with the aim of distracting the enemy from the main airfield. Unbeknownst to himself, Tikhon Ogurtsov falls in love with Tonya, who is also looked after by French lieutenant Lyaroshel and Soviet pilot Ivan Kroshkin.
"Restless economy" will surely appeal to all lovers of good films about the war, preferring the genre of military comedy. The picture evokes different emotions: laughter, anxiety, empathy, sadness.
Ninth place
Ninth place goes to the film "Allegro with Fire", shot by the talented director Vladimir Strelkov in 1979. The shooting took place in a small village Lyubimovka, Sevastopol region.
The very beginning of the war. The Germans are trying to capture the Black Sea Fleet. To achieve the desired result, they begin to bombard ports with sea mines with a specially designed secret device. This slows down and impedes the effective operation of the Soviet fleet. The management decides to create a special group of sappers, the main one in which the second-rank engineer Ivankov is appointed. The soldiers have a difficult task to try to find a mine device and understand how you can neutralize it. When trying to disarm a mine, commander Ivankov dies.
The prototype of the main characters was Abram Borisovich Geyro and Grigory Nikolaevich Okhrimenko. Famous in the USSR professionals in the mine business. The film "Allegro with Fire" keeps the viewer in suspense from the very beginning to the last frames. The plot is rather unusual and will definitely appeal to everyone who is interested in the history of the Navy.
"Waiting for her ..."
The last line in the ranking of the ten best Soviet films about the war is occupied by the film "Wait for me." The film, directed by Boris Grigorievich Ivanov, is based on the work of the famous Soviet writer Konstantin Simonov. The main female role in the film was played by his wife, a talented actress - Valentina Serova. The male role went to the famous actor Boris Blinov.
A fierce war separates the spouse of Ermolov. Nikolai goes to the front in the air force. He becomes a commander and often performs dangerous tasks, risking his life. Lisa remains in the rear. One day, Yermolov’s team comes under enemy fire. Few soldiers return alive, among them Nicholas is not. But also he is not among the identified dead. Everyone around him believes that he died. However, Lisa hopes to the last that her beloved is alive and will one day return home.
This is an amazing film about love, loyalty and hope. The director wanted to show the soldiers what they were waiting for, they were worried for them and every day they dreamed that they would return home with a victory. And to maintain the morale of a warring man, this is the most important condition.
To summarize the above
The list of the best Soviet films about the Great Patriotic War can be continued endlessly. Unfortunately, it is impossible within the framework of one small article to tell in detail about all the paintings that deserve to be watched by new generations. We did not talk about people like Father of a Soldier, Officers, Ballad of a Soldier, and many others. They are no less worthy of inclusion in the list than those films that were discussed in the article.
All of them are dedicated to the great feat of the Soviet people, thanks to which we now live in peacetime. Our task is to remember and never forget the heroes who forged the victory. After all, there is nothing worse and worse than war!