February 1917 revolution has affected mode of life in Russia and changed the course of Great War. Monarch has abdicated. In trenches, were the confrontation with Germans lasts for several years, Bolsheviks are very active with their propaganda. They call for making peace with enemy. Russian officers can actually do nothing without approval of so-called Soldiers Committees. The army is just near the stage of complete degradation. By order of Russian Provisional Government, attempting to strengthen the spirit, the female Death Battalion is established. In charge of the Battalion - Cavalier of St. George Maria Bochkareva. Death Battalion give the lead of courage, fortitude and composure, stiffen the spirit of soldiers and prove, that each of the female hero is worthy of the Warrior Title. Russia, 1917, WWI. This is the story of the 1st Russian Women's Battalion of Death, formed as part of an ill-conceived propaganda ploy by the Russian Provisional Government in late May of 1917. While it's very well shot, acted, propped and all, the black-and-white one-sidedness of this movie leaves no illusions - it's just a piece of propaganda. Patriotic, god-fearing feminists? Well, it's more subtle than the soviet era, more historically accurate but still - it leaves no space for moral ambiguities, shades of gray or doubt - they're heroines and don't you dare deny it! And if you disagree, try to find one good (or decent, or at least humanely portrayed) German in the movie from around a hundred depicted. It's perfectly worth watching, but the only review so far completely missed the point. It's a modern way of manufacturing social cohesion at home, and sympathetic opinions abroad, on par with Hollywood. A wonderfully told true story of a very difficult period in the history of Russia. Great script, acting, filmography and scenography. Delighted to see that WWI stories are making to the Russian cinematography. There is good balance between funny lines, drama and action. Horrors of war depicted without exaggeration and unfortunately very common in the movies artistry. Girls remain girls even in the army, even when risking their lives, even at the time of a heroic act. And I think it is exactly that exposes the merciless, cruel face of war. I am glad to see that director is not taking sides in the conflict that was about to bring the Civil war in Russia. His position is very clear nonetheless - war is a brutal crime. Through the dirt mixed with blood and sweat in fearful eyes of the girls of Battalion we can still see much love, and hope, and peace. Peace that doesn't mean the absence of war, but clear conscience and purpose. An absolute must see!
Janeadavi replied
291 weeks ago