The Commissar

In the midst of the Russian Civil War, a tough, pregnant Red Army commissar named Klavdia Vavilova is left behind in a small Ukrainian town. She is taken in by a Jewish tailor and his family, forcing her to confront her own prejudices and the realities of war. As her pregnancy progresses, she grapples with her identity and her role in the revolutionary struggle. The film offers a poignant look at humanity and ideology amidst a brutal conflict.

Despite being made in 1967, 'The Commissar' was banned by Soviet authorities for over two decades and only released in 1987. Upon its eventual international release and festival showings, it received widespread critical acclaim for its powerful performances, nuanced portrayal of characters, and its humanistic message. It is considered a masterpiece of Soviet cinema.

• Praised for its profound humanism and empathetic portrayal of complex characters.

• Nonna Mordyukova's central performance is lauded as a tour de force.

• Recognized for its stark depiction of the human cost of war and ideological conflict.

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Awarded the Golden Spike at the Valladolid International Film Festival in 1988. Nominated for Best Foreign Film at the 1989 Golden Globes.

The film's director, Aleksandr Askoldov, was fired from his position at the State Committee for Cinematography for making 'The Commissar', and it was his only feature film as a director.