Sorok pervyj

Shot according to the eponymous novel by Boris Lavrenov, from which the plot and tragic ending practically do not deviate. For its time, it is filmed sensitively, with very decent direction, as Grigory Chukhray was one of the talents of the 50s. However, in my eyes, this intimate drama about the clash of romantic feelings and military duty has a certain propagandistic dimension, so it won't account for more than a 50% overall impression. (26/05/2008)