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Vladimir Ivashov, Zhanna Prokhorenko, Antonina Maksimova, Nikolai Kryuchkov, Yevgeny Urbansky ... see more see more... , Valentina Telegina , Ella Lezhdey , Lev Borisov , Marina Kremneva , Anatoly Kuznetsov , Yevgeni Yevstigneyev , Vladimir Kashpur , V. Markova , Georgy Yumatov , G. Yukhtin , E. Teterin , Elza Lezhdej , Yevgeni Urbansky

The award-winning Ballad of a Soldier was the first Russian film to score an American success during the Cold War era. It is a relatively simple, uncomplicated story of a callow young Russian conscrip... read more read more...t (Vladimir Ivashov) who yearns for home and hearth during World War II. Unfortunately, only those who have committed a conspicuously heroic act are being honored with liberty. Almost in spite of himself, the boy becomes a battlefield hero, and as a result is allowed to visit his family. En route to his home, the boy uses up much of his valuable leave time through his efforts to help others. He finally gets to see his mother for a few precious moments before being called back to active duty. At the risk of sounding snobbish, we advise that you see Ballad of a Soldier in a subtitled print. The English-dubbed version borders on the ridiculous, with everyone talking in stilted sentences that sound like Soviet Damon Runyon. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Flixster Users

91% liked it

2,813 ratings

Critics

100% liked it

12 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 28 min.

Directed by: Grigori Chukhraj & Valentin Yezhov, Grigori Chukhrai

Release Date: January 1, 1959

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DVD Release Date: April 30, 2002

Stats: 186 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (186)

  • flixsterman
    February 6, 2010
    flixsterman
    The leave of a young Russian soldier is sidetracked by his own kindness and humanity. A story of human decency set against a backdrop of destruction and devastation. Poignant and sad but still inspirational.
  • webalina
    November 14, 2009
    webalina
    A beautifully-made film from Russia. As a reward for a heroic deed in battle, a young soldier receives six days leave to go home to see his mother. The rest of the film follows him as he tries to make it home and back in the allotted time. For part of his journey, he sneaks aboar... read mored a boxcar, and then later a pretty young girl does the same. You can take it from there...up to a point.

    Like many Russian films, the faces are the main focus. The lighting of this film was particularly impressive, and every face seems to glow from within. There are some very interesting camera angles, especially in the early battle scenes, but also the shots of and from the train. Even the musical score was beautful and dreamy. The only flaw I found in the film was the heavy-handed sentimentality. You can show depth of feeling without being melodramatic about it. Otherwise, this is a touching and beautiful film.
  • tsigur
    October 9, 2007
    tsigur
    A little hokey, but really well made.
  • fb1142797643
    April 3, 2011
    fb1142797643
    A lovely, heartbreaking, somewhat episodic film about the travels of a young Russian soldier who's given a short leave to go home and see his mother. During the erratic journey back to his village, he meets an innocent farm girl and awkwardly falls in love. Beautiful cinematograp... read morehy, affecting leads.
  • gator681
    July 31, 2005
    gator681
    [font=Century Gothic]"Ballad of a Soldier" takes place in the Soviet Union during World War II. A 19-year old soldier, Alexei, cut off from his unit and on the run luckily manages to not only survive but also takes out two enemy tanks. His general wants to decorate him but Alexei... read more wants to return home for a day to do two things he left undone when left for the war - to properly say goodbye to his mother and to repair the roof. At first, the general does not grant the request but then he acquiesces. Alexei has two days to get there, two days at home and two days to return.[/font]

    [font=Century Gothic]"Ballad of a Soldier"'s main theme concerns itself with still being a good human being even under the worst circumstances. Alexei is not a coward by temporarily leaving the front; he is simply seeking to complete what he left unfinished. He always seems to be thinking more of other people than himself. The movie is exciting and suspenseful but never without emotion. In fact, it does not fall into traps that other movies namely "Central Station" stumble through. The sentiment never overwhelms the rest of the action.[/font]
  • macabrescribe
    July 6, 2009
    macabrescribe
    The acting, premise, and execution were top-notch, but I wasn't feeling it. However, I understand how other people can truly come to love this film.
  • kcddck
    March 29, 2009
    kcddck
    Such a touching story. This was so well told and finding out what happnes to the young soldier in the begining of the movie, makes this even more touching. I really enjoyed how well told and how well acted this movie was.
  • jplong39
    October 26, 2008
    jplong39
    A stunningly beautiful story of the effects of war on a young soldier and his homeland: not of the landscape as much as on the emotional toll inflicted on the people.

    Alyosha Skvortsov, caught alone during battle, singlehandedly destroys two tanks only because he was scared h... read moree claims, and instead of receiving a medal, he wishes to return home for one day to fix the roof on his mothers house.
    Through a series of misadventures, missed trains and chance meetings, Alyosha discovers war-ravaged people at every turn, some maintaining their dignity, and others using circumstances for their own benefit.
    Alyosha also happens to meet a young girl on the way, and the scenes of the two geting to know each other and falling in love are absolutely sublime.
    While not one of the greatest anti-war films ever made, it is quite a nice little gem and will stick with you.

    Some more info: http://www.zimbio.com/pilot?SP=1&ZURL=%2FZhanna%2BProkhorenko%2Frolls%2F1%3FSort%3Drank&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imagesjournal.com%2F2002%2Freviews%2Frussian%2Ftext.htm
  • jakewhite715
    November 18, 2007
    jakewhite715
    The story may be overly sentimental for modern tastes, but the cinematography and editing are textbook examples of film making.
  • markhges
    May 13, 2006
    markhges
    The remarkable and touching story of a Russian soldier who makes his way back home to visit his mother. The scene with their reunion is the most heartbreaking scene I have ever witnessed on screen. Highly recommended.

View All Ballad of a Soldier Reviews

Critic Reviews

Dave Kehr
February 8, 2010
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

One of those "universal" tales that are so often vague and sticky, but the simplicity and restraint of director Grigori Chukhrai lift it above the run. Full Review

Ken Hanke
July 6, 2010
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

It's fairly standard stuff, made into something more by a sense of humanity and a knack for avoiding outright schmaltz. Full Review

Sean Axmaker
May 9, 2009
Sean Axmaker, Turner Classic Movies Online

... a simple, poetic tale where the sentimental streak and patriotic idealism common to the Soviet formula is humanized with vivid characters and tender direction. Full Review

Michael W. Phillips, Jr.
May 23, 2008
Michael W. Phillips, Jr., Goatdog's Movies

Deceptively simple, heartfelt. Full Review

Emanuel Levy
April 11, 2007
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

At once particular and universal, this lyrically poetic, emotionally touching anti-war movie is one of the most honored and popular Russian films ever made, achieving an instant status of a classic. Full Review

Dennis Schwartz
December 26, 2006
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

It's a lyrical humanistic black and white film that's simply told and its universal anti-war message is easily understood. Full Review

Mark Bourne
April 4, 2006
Mark Bourne, DVDJournal.com

...a simple, genuine, and non-dogmatic meditation on the incalculably tragic cost of war. Full Review

John A. Nesbit
July 12, 2002
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews

Had Ballad of a Soldier received wider play in 1960, more Americans would have realized that individual Russians are real human beings Full Review

James Kendrick
June 13, 2002
James Kendrick, Q Network Film Desk

Almost awkwardly idealistic, instead of brimming with socialist rhetoric, the film celebrates the individual human spirit and the power of good deeds.

Christopher Null
April 18, 2002
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com

Perfectly crafted. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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