A Span of Land
A Span of Land

Movie spotlight

A Span of Land

1964
Movie
83 min
Russian

The film is about the hot war summer of 1944. A group of several gun crews defends a tiny bridgehead on the right bank of the Dniester. The fates of the main characters: the front-line soldier-battalion commander Babin, the young lieutenant Motovilov, the nurse Rita Tamashova and the rank-and-file gunners, soldiers, among whom are brave people, faint-hearted and scoundrels, unnoticed heroes, are shown in a setting of several hours of peaceful life before another violent attack of the enemy, after which not everyone will survive...

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Richard LoncraineGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

During World War II, a group of British soldiers finds themselves stranded behind enemy lines in France. Faced with overwhelming odds and limited resources, they must rely on their courage, ingenuity, and each other to survive and find a way back to safety. The film explores the psychological toll of war and the bonds formed under extreme duress.

Critical Reception

A Span of Land was a modest release that garnered some attention for its gritty portrayal of wartime survival. Critics noted its competent direction and performances, though some found the narrative to be somewhat conventional for the war film genre of its time. Audience reception was generally positive, appreciating the film's tension and realistic depiction of combat situations.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its suspenseful depiction of a small unit's survival.

  • Acknowledged for its straightforward, unpretentious war drama.

  • Some viewers found the plot predictable but enjoyed the action sequences.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's effectiveness as a tense wartime thriller, with many appreciating the performances and the realistic portrayal of soldiers facing dire circumstances. Some found the storyline a bit familiar but overall felt it was a solid entry in the war genre.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in various parts of the United Kingdom, with some scenes simulating the French countryside.

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