Kutuzov (1944)

Genres - Drama, Historical Film  |   Sub-Genres - Biopic [feature], Period Film  |   Run Time - 95 min.  |   Countries - United States  |  
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Synopsis by Hal Erickson

Originally titled Kutuzov, this Russian historical epic re-creates in meticulous detail the Russo-Napoleonic war of the early 19th century. As Napoleon Bonaparte (Semen Mezhinsky) lays siege against Russia, dashing Prince Kutuzov (Alexei Dikiy) mounts a courageous counteroffensive. In a parallel development, Prince Bagration (S. Zakariadze) leads a secondary military unit near Moscow, becoming a martyr to the cause in the process. The film was clearly designed as a plea for the opening of an Allied second front against Hitler in the Soviet Union of 1944 -- and seldom has propaganda been presented in so vivid and entertaining a fashion. Reportedly, director Vladimir Petrov, whose other works include the multi-part Peter the First and Battle of Stalingrad, based his camera compositions in 1812 on contemporary paintings and engravings of the actual conflict.

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Themes

Keywords

army, battle [war], conquest, General, invasion, life, patriotism, propaganda, Russia, wound [injury]