AllMovie

The long, crushing, 900-day siege of Leningrad provides the fodder for this uninspired epic drama which does not do justice to the truth of history. Clearly meant only to rouse patriotism in the hearts of viewers, the rhetoric in the drama subverts its cause. Subplots delve into the desperate situation in the city as people face the prospect of starvation, and courageous attempts to break through the siege to deliver needed food and supplies are illustrated. The main story centers on an air squadron and their exploits as they defend Leningrad. In a classic "boy meets fighter plane" mentality, human values are meant to be depicted but they get lost somewhere in all the verbal exposition.