Soviet Movie Café: War Dramas II

Esteemed Readers, I would like to present you a war movie telling a story of an ordinary man facing calamities of this cruel disaster. “Fate of a Man/Sudba Cheloveka” (1959) is one of the best war psychological dramas based on the short story by our famous Soviet author Mikhail Sholokhov.  The movie passes well the environment of the Second World War, the hell of concentration camps & emptiness, sadness & tragedy of life after these dramatic events.

A track driver Andrey Sokolov used to have a peaceful happy life as any ordinary Soviet man until the 22nd of June 1941 when the war for Russia began. The main hero will experience a serious wound, concentration camps which won’t break his spirit. A happy escape will bring him back to his native city that will be destroyed. His wife & the son would be lost & then dead. And only memories about past happy days will save him from a psychological breakdown. Recollections mixed with emptiness of the post-war time will move his destiny into a new direction: he will meet a starving orphan boy to who he will dedicate his life.

By lucky chance there is a version with English, French & Italian subtitles on Youtube. The movie is difficult to be watched due to its profound plot & a true war atmosphere. Just keep it in mind, Esteemed Readers.

Movies like “Fate of a Man/Sudba Cheloveka” must be re-watched not to forget about mercy, compassion & sacrifice.

Maria KethuProfumo