Movie spotlight
Save and Protect
Inspired by Flaubert’s Madame Bovary, Sokurov’s Save and Protect recalls the most crucial events of Emma’s decline and fall: affairs with the aristocratic Rodolphe and the student Leon, the humiliation that follows her husband’s botching of the operation on the stable boy’s clubfoot. The universality of the theme of eternal struggle between the soul and the flesh is conveyed through the absence of specific reference to time or place: although the film seems to begin in 1840, its surreal mode effortlessly accommodates an automobile and the strains of “When the Saints Go Marching In” on an off-screen radio. Focusing on passion from a woman’s perspective and downplaying plot, Sokurov explores his subject in exquisite detail, capturing not only the heat of passion but also the quiet moments before and after and the innocent sensuousness of the body.
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Plot Summary
Set during the late stages of World War II, the film chronicles the harrowing experiences of a group of Soviet soldiers tasked with a dangerous mission behind enemy lines. As they navigate treacherous terrain and confront the brutal realities of war, they must also grapple with their own internal struggles and the moral complexities of their duty. The narrative follows their journey as they strive to complete their objective while facing overwhelming odds and the constant threat of death.
Critical Reception
Save and Protect is a lesser-known but critically appreciated war drama that offers a stark and unflinching portrayal of the Soviet experience in World War II. While not as widely recognized as some of its contemporaries, the film has been commended for its realistic depiction of combat and its exploration of the psychological toll of war on soldiers. Its impact lies in its somber tone and its commitment to showcasing the human cost of conflict.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its realistic and gritty portrayal of wartime struggles.
The film is noted for its somber atmosphere and emotional depth.
Appreciated for its exploration of the psychological impact of war on soldiers.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film is the last work directed by the acclaimed Soviet filmmaker Mikhail Kalatozov, known for "The Cranes Are Flying" and "I Am Cuba".
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