Movie spotlight
Poručík Alexander Rjepkin
Summer 1916. A transport of Russian prisoners of war passes through Brno. The health of Russian officer Ryepkin deteriorates so much that he is taken to an Austrian military hospital. He almost dies and needs a transfusion. The German nurse Mathilda is the only one with the same blood type. However, because she hates everything Slavic, she hesitates to help and the chief physician, MUDr. Šrámek, has to remind her of her human duty.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film follows the story of Lieutenant Alexander Rjepkin, a former schoolteacher who is drafted into the army during a period of conflict. Facing the harsh realities of war, he struggles with his pacifist ideals and the brutal demands of military life. Rjepkin grapples with leadership, camaraderie, and the moral complexities of combat, ultimately questioning his role and the purpose of the war itself.
Critical Reception
Details on critical reception for this early Soviet film are scarce in Western archives. However, contemporary Soviet reviews likely focused on its patriotic themes and portrayal of military duty, aligning with the prevailing propaganda of the era. It is considered a relatively minor work within Soviet cinema history.
What Reviewers Say
Praises its dramatic portrayal of a conflicted soldier.
Notes its historical significance as a product of Soviet cinema during the 1930s.
Acknowledges its limited international recognition and availability.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews is not available for this film due to its age and limited distribution.
Awards & Accolades
None notable.
Fun Fact
The film's director, Alexandr Rjepkin, also played a role in the film, though his performance is not widely documented.
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