Poison

During the Great Patriotic War, a young Soviet boy named Pasha is left to fend for himself after his mother dies and his father is killed in combat. He falls in with a group of homeless children who survive by stealing, but his innocence is constantly tested by the harsh realities of war. Pasha dreams of a better life and clings to the hope of reunion with his father, but the war's brutality makes this an increasingly distant possibility.

"Poison" is a stark and emotionally resonant Soviet war drama that sheds light on the devastating impact of conflict on children. While not widely known internationally, it is recognized within Russian cinema for its realistic portrayal of hardship and the resilience of the human spirit amidst immense suffering. Critical commentary often highlights its somber tone and its unflinching depiction of a rarely seen perspective of the war.

• Praised for its poignant portrayal of childhood innocence lost to war.

• Commended for its realistic and often bleak depiction of wartime survival.

• Noted for its emotional depth and the performances of its young cast.

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The film was shot in black and white, which contributes to its grim and realistic atmosphere, reflecting the bleakness of the wartime setting.