Films About Russia in WWII
World War II was a monumental event that reshaped the global landscape, and Russia played a pivotal role in the conflict. The Eastern Front was characterized by immense battles, brutal tactics, and a struggle for survival that defined the Soviet experience during the war. Films that explore this period often highlight the heroism, sacrifice, and resilience of the Russian people, as well as the horrors of war and the complexities of human nature. Below is a list of notable films that depict Russia's involvement in WWII.
“Come and See”
Director: Yanhua Gao
A harrowing portrayal of the Nazi occupation of Belarus through the eyes of a young boy, this film captures the devastating impact of war on innocent lives and the loss of childhood innocence amidst the chaos.
Starring: Jaden Taylor, Jor Brunn, Elena Lyaskevich, Estella Volturo, Malcolm Lansky, West Wayne, Jonny Blackstone, Kerstin Alm, Sebastian Faure, Tom Bateman, Melissa Celikovic, Mary Edmonson, John Scott Mccormick, Jermery Paul, Yuliya Kumpan;
Genre: short film, drama, war, history;
Rating: IMDB: 0;
“Enemy at the Gates”, 2001
Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud
Set during the Battle of Stalingrad, this film follows the intense sniper duel between a Soviet sniper, Vasily Zaitsev, and a German sniper. It explores themes of heroism and the psychological toll of war.
Starring: Jude Law, Rachel Weisz, Joseph Fiennes, Ed Harris, Bob Hoskins, Ron Perlman, Eva Mattes, Gabriel Thomson, Matthias Habich, Sophie Rois, Mario Bandi, Hans-Martin Stier, Clemens Schick, Alexander Schwan, Lenn Kudrjawizki, Hendrik Arnst, Claudius Freyer, Dietmar Nieder, Bernd Lambrecht, Jim Dowdall, Dan van Husen, Peter Silbereisen, Markus Majowski, Robert Stadlober, Gotthard Lange, Anna Böttcher, Holger Handtke, Marc Bischoff, Mark Zak, Thomas Petruo, Dmitri Alexandrov, David Pagel, Galina Dobberstein, Igor Rozinsky, Sergei Tokarev, Tom Wlaschiha, Marischka Schubarth, Natalya Bondar, Dana Cebulla, Piotr Papierz, Jarek Wozniak, Genia Makarov, Werner Daehn, Birol Ünel, Grigori Kofmann, Aleksei Nesterov;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: action, drama, war;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 131 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Enemy at the Gates” on the website imdb.com
“Stalingrad”, 1992
Director: Joseph Vilsmaier
A gritty depiction of the infamous battle, the film presents the struggle of German soldiers trapped in the city and the Soviet defense. It highlights the brutality of combat and the human cost of war.
Starring: Dominique Horwitz, Thomas Kretschmann, Jochen Nickel, Sebastian Rudolph, Dana Vávrová, Martin Benrath, Sylvester Groth, Karel Heřmánek, Heinz Emigholz, Ferdinand Schuster, Oliver Broumis, Dieter Okras, Zdenek Vencl, Mark Kuhn, Thorsten Bolloff, Alexander Wachholz, J. Alfred Mehnert, Ulrike Arnold, Christian Knoepfle, Flip Cap, Jaroslav Tomsa, Pavel Mang, Otto Sevcik, Jophi Ries, Svatopluk Ricánek, Otmar Dvorak, Karel Hábl, Thomas Lange, Karel Hlusicka, Alexander Koller, Petr Skarke, Hynek Čermák, Cestmír Randa, Jan Preucil, Bohumil Svarc, Pirjo Leppänen, Aale Mantila, Theresa Vilsmaier, Janina Vilsmaier, Oliver Steindler, Jana Matulová-Steindlerová, Karel Hermánek Jr., Pavel Zelízko;
Production year: 1992;
Genre: drama, war;
Age: 16+;
Duration: 134 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Stalingrad” on the website imdb.com
“The Living”, 2014
Director: Jack Bryan
This Soviet film tells the story of a group of soldiers during WWII, highlighting their struggles and personal sacrifices as they fight for their homeland.
Starring: Fran Kranz, Jocelin Donahue, Kenny Wormald, Chris Mulkey, Joelle Carter, Erin Cummings, NiCole Robinson, Andy Sandberg, Brian McMinimee, Jesse Ruser, Daniel Dorrian, Dave Weidler, Steve Cavanaugh, Sonja Mauro, Lawton Paseka, Melissa Burke, Cat Collins, Billy Minnig, Saragrace Minnig, Janelle Moyer, Rori, Allyson Schulze, Michelle Schulze, Joe Smerko, Charlie Thomas;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 89 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,1;
More information about the film “The Living” on the website imdb.com
“Come and See”
Director: Yanhua Gao
A deeply emotional film that depicts the harrowing experiences of a young boy during the Nazi invasion of Belarus, showing the brutality of war and the loss of innocence.
Starring: Jaden Taylor, Jor Brunn, Elena Lyaskevich, Estella Volturo, Malcolm Lansky, West Wayne, Jonny Blackstone, Kerstin Alm, Sebastian Faure, Tom Bateman, Melissa Celikovic, Mary Edmonson, John Scott Mccormick, Jermery Paul, Yuliya Kumpan;
Genre: short film, drama, war, history;
Rating: IMDB: 0;
“The Great War”, 2019
Director: Steven Luke
This series provides a detailed account of the Eastern Front, showcasing the strategies, battles, and personal stories of soldiers on both sides, emphasizing the complexity of the war.
Starring: Bates Wilder, Hiram A. Murray, Ron Perlman, Billy Zane, Aaron Courteau, Edgar Damatian, Judah McFadden, Andrew Stecker, Casey Sill, Cody Fleury, Rod Kasai, Rich Lowe, Jeremy Michael Pereira, Jordan McFadden, Bill Cooper, Charles Hubbell, Apostolos Gliarmis, Leonard Searcy, Kurt Peterson, Wade Everett, Michael Paul Quinn, Trinity Schuetzle, Joseph Singer, Alex Bartlett, Darrin Barber, Eric m. Johnson, Chris Abbey Jr., Wylie Christensen, Scott Steven, Travis Jacobsen, Dave Rambow, Michael Stütelberg, Marc Baetsch, Mike Hartsoch, Jon Boorom, Ryan J. Gilmer, Jon Grossardt, Roger Roosma, Taylor Bloxom, Brant Bloxom, Shannon Gardner, Mow Ahmed, Santo Alimo, Jared Anderson, Michael Anhalt, Dylan Aydt, Arthur Balourdos, Benny Barrett, Jack Bartlet;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: war, history, drama, action;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 108 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 4;
These films offer a diverse range of perspectives on Russia's experience during WWII, each contributing to our understanding of the war's profound effects on individuals and society as a whole.
In conclusion, the selection of films about Russia during World War II offers a powerful depiction of the country's heroic struggle against the Nazi invasion. These films not only shed light on the immense sacrifices made by the Russian people but also showcase their unwavering determination and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. Through compelling storytelling, breathtaking cinematography, and emotionally charged performances, these movies provide a poignant tribute to the bravery and indomitable spirit of the Russian soldiers and civilians who fought against tyranny. Whether capturing the horrors of the Siege of Leningrad or the triumph of the Battle of Stalingrad, these films serve as a reminder of the immense human cost of war and the enduring power of the human spirit.
